Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh praised teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling it an “incredible” talent and asserting that the youngster has achieved something “no one has ever done before” with his fearless approach to the game.Speaking on JioStar, Harbhajan said Sooryavanshi’s confidence and willingness to back his instincts represented the changing mindset of modern cricketers, who are now encouraged to express themselves without fear of failure.“What Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is doing today, no one has ever done before. He is incredible, a great talent. I don’t think I have seen or faced such a talent,” said Harbhajan.The former off-spinner also pointed out how the influence of social media has amplified the visibility of young stars, making their exploits reach a much wider audience than in previous generations.“The difference between the youth of today and the youth of then is the reach of today’s media and social media. Things happened then too, but today it is highlighted much more,” he added.
Rahul Dravid Sooryavanshi’s question and Sooryavanshi’s unforgettable answer
Harbhajan also recalled a memorable anecdote involving former India coach Rahul Dravid that perfectly captured Sooryavanshi’s fearless mindset ahead of his IPL debut.According to Harbhajan, Dravid had asked the youngster what he was thinking of doing if he faced a hittable delivery in the first ball of his IPL career.“I think the biggest change is that people are accepting players with that fearless mindset and their approach to play the way they want to play,” he said.He continued, “Rahul Dravid was the coach of that team (Rajasthan Royals), and asked Sooryavanshi, “What are you doing on the first dance?” He said: “If the first ball is in my bow, I will smash it.” And I really did. He hit a six off the first ball he faced in his IPL career, against Shardul Thakur.”The story, Harbhajan said, underscored the confidence that made the teenager one of the brightest young batting talents in the world. Indian cricket.
Tendulkar’s advice that shaped Harbhajan’s career
Alongside his praise for Sooryavanshi, Harbhajan also reflected on the most valuable lesson of his own career, revealing the advice he got from the batting icon. Sachin Tendulkar.“The best advice I ever got was from the great Sachin Tendulkar,” said Harbhajan.Remembering Tendulkar’s words, he said, “Sachin paaji told me, ‘There will be many distractions, many things will come your way, but you must keep your blinders on, because you cannot look left or right, and only look straight ahead. And what lies ahead? Cricket! If you stay on this path, no one in the world can stop you. Whatever you want to become, whatever you want to do, you will gain all kinds of respect, honor and fame, everything, if you continue to walk on this path.‘”Harbhajan said the same message is what he is now conveying to young cricketers starting their journeys.“So, I give the same advice to young people: keep your focus on the game. You know who you are because of the game. Don’t think that you are bigger than the game. If your attitude is not right, as much as this game provides, you also know how to pick it up so quickly,” he said.