Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: An interaction at the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) 75th anniversary event in Delhi has sparked debate online after Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker was asked about teenage cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The exchange, intended as a cross-sport reference between two young Indian sporting names, quickly shifted focus away from the shooter’s own achievements, triggering criticism on social media about misplaced framing of the question.When asked about the 15-year-old cricketing sensation Sooryavanshi, Bhaker, however, responded thoughtfully, stressing guidance and environment over age.
She said: “I would say that if the mentorship is good, the company around him is good, and the people around are good, then age is just a number. And there is no age for talent.”“Great things happen at 60, they happen at six. So if the people around him mentor him well and guide him properly, then I am sure he will be the next big star,” the 24-year-old explained, highlighting the importance of support systems for young athletes transitioning into elite sport discussions.However, the framing of the question drew sharp reactions online, with many arguing that it sidelined Bhaker’s own Olympic success. Prominent social media figure and former KKR team director Joy Bhattacharjya wrote: “Folks, she is an Olympic medallist. To ask her what she thinks of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is unfair to her achievements and her sport. Cricket anyway is the ruling passion of the country; your sports editors do not need another celebrity quote to spin a headline on Sooryavanshi. Optionally, next time ask Vaibhav Sooryavanshi about Manu Bhaker and see the looks you get.” Other social media users also echoed similar sentiments, noting how athletes from non-cricket sports are often pulled into cricket-centric narratives, especially in headline-driven coverage cycles.Meanwhile, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to draw attention in cricketing circles with milestones in IPL performances. At 15, he has already become the youngest player to reach 1,000 T20 runs and has registered multiple standout knocks in the IPL season, including centuries and high strike-rate innings. His India U19 record reflects prolific scoring, establishing him as one of the most closely watched young batters in the system. Many have already expressed their opinion that they would like to see Sooryavanshi playing for India’s senior team soon.
