Chandu Borde Lauds Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Reflexes, Urges Selectors to Fast-Track Teen Talent

Former Indian cricketer and ex-chief selector Chandu Borde has heaped praise on teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling his reflexes “unbelievable” and suggesting that the young talent be fast-tracked into senior cricket. In a candid conversation reflecting on the evolution of the game, the 91-year-old veteran compared Sooryavanshi to a young Sachin Tendulkar, whom he managed on the 1989 tour of Pakistan.

Borde, a former all-rounder who scored over 3,000 Test runs and later served as selector and team manager, spoke about the dramatic changes in cricket formats and the increasing pressure on modern players. He noted that while T20 leagues have amplified opportunities and visibility, they also bring heightened tension. However, he was struck by Sooryavanshi’s composure despite missing out on centuries on three occasions in a recent tournament. “He got out in the 90s three times — 97, 96, 93. No pressure. He just played the same way. During our time, we were very cautious. We used to take one run at a time,” Borde said.

Addressing questions about the youngster’s technique, which some have described as unorthodox, Borde was emphatic. “Vaibhav’s technique is fantastic. It is more of reflexes. He doesn’t hit with a cross bat; he hits with a straight bat. That old technique is there. His reflexes are so fantastic, it’s unbelievable. He connects the ball before the ball reaches.” Borde added that such reflexes are a gift likely honed from early home practice, and that with further exposure at the Test or net level, Sooryavanshi could refine his range of shots.

Borde drew parallels with Tendulkar’s early days. “At the age of 16, I saw Sachin Tendulkar. He was with me in Pakistan. I was the manager, and he also developed his technique at the nets. In the Sialkot Test, the groundsman came to me and said, ‘Sir, take this kid out now, we want to make a wicket.’ I find the same thing in this young boy, Vaibhav.”

While Borde stopped short of a direct demand, his remarks carried a clear message for selectors. “If he gets this sort of match practice in Test cricket or nets, he will accommodate that kind of cross-batting shots and other things,” he said, indicating that the teenager is ready for higher challenges. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who recently became the youngest player to score a century in the Ranji Trophy, has captured the imagination of cricket followers with his fearless strokeplay and remarkable maturity at the crease.

Borde also reflected on the changing landscape of cricket, acknowledging the commercialisation and media hype that surround the sport today. “Players today have many opportunities to showcase their talent, but they must continually adapt. The competition is intense, and there is probably more tension now among bowlers, batsmen, and fielders,” he observed.

The former selector’s endorsement adds to the growing chorus of voices calling for Sooryavanshi’s promotion to higher levels, even as experts advise caution given his age. For now, Borde’s words serve as a powerful testament to the teenager’s potential, rooted in a lifetime of cricketing wisdom.