Harbhajan Singh on Dismissing Vihav Suryawanshi Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has outlined a strategy for dismissing 15-year-old prodigy Vihav Suryawanshi, emphasizing aggressive bowling as the only viable approach. In a podcast interview with PTI, Singh highlighted Suryawanshi’s exceptional talent, calling him a unique player who has dominated international cricket at a young age. Suryawanshi, who made his IPL debut at 14 and scored a century in his first match, has also become the youngest Indian to play Test cricket, debuting at 15 years and 99 days against England. Singh noted that Suryawanshi’s fearless batting style makes him a challenge for even the world’s top fast bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins. “When the best bowlers in the world are bowling at him, they are essentially thinking where to place the ball,” Singh said. He stressed that conventional tactics like containment or defensive bowling would fail against Suryawanshi, urging bowlers to adopt an aggressive mindset. “The only way to dismiss him is to attack and take the wicket,” Singh asserted. Suryawanshi’s rise has been meteoric. He became the youngest IPL player in 2025 and the youngest to score a century in T20 cricket. His international debut came at 15, where he scored 175 runs in the Under-19 World Cup final against England, setting a tournament record. The performance earned him the Player of the Tournament award, and India claimed victory in the competition. Singh also addressed the challenge of bowling to Suryawanshi, stating that traditional fielding strategies would not work. “I won’t adjust my fielding to his style—I’ll play according to my own plan. If I try to contain him, I won’t get him out,” he said.#pti #under_19_world_cup #harbhajan_singh #ipl #vihav_suryawanshi
BCCI Allows Parents to Accompany 15-Year-Old Cricketer on Overseas Tour The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a significant decision to allow the parents of 15-year-old cricketer Vihav Suryawanshi to accompany her on an upcoming tour to England and Ireland. This move comes as part of the BCCI’s efforts to support young talent, ensuring that the teenager’s needs are met during her international assignment. The decision was taken with careful consideration of Vihav’s age and the potential challenges she might face in a senior team environment. Vihav, who has been selected for the senior Indian team, will be traveling with her parents, a departure from the usual BCCI policy. Typically, family members are permitted to join players only if the overseas tour exceeds 45 days. However, the BCCI has made an exception in this case, recognizing the unique circumstances of a 15-year-old athlete. The board emphasized that Vihav’s inclusion in the senior team is a strategic move to nurture her potential, as she is considered a key figure in Indian cricket’s future. BCCI secretary Devjyot Saini explained that the decision was driven by the need to provide emotional and psychological support for Vihav. He highlighted that young athletes, especially those in their teens, require a stable environment to thrive. Saini drew a parallel to schoolchildren traveling for trips, where parental supervision is essential. “Vihav is still a child, and her parents’ presence will ensure she feels secure and supported during the tour,” he stated. The BCCI has also taken responsibility for covering all expenses related to the parents’ travel, ensuring there is no financial burden on the family. This gesture underscores the board’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for young players.#england #bcci #ireland #vihav_suryawanshi #devjyot_saini
