'Sachin's career almost got cut short': Ex-cricketer's chilling warning for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

As excitement around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to build, former South Africa batter Daryll Cullinan has raised concerns about the physical demands being placed on the 15-year-old prodigy, particularly given his explosive batting style and growing workload.

Sooryavanshi has quickly earned a reputation for his fearless approach and remarkable power hitting. His ability to generate exceptional bat speed has become one of the defining features of his game. However, Cullinan believes that such an aggressive method could eventually take a toll on the youngster’s body, especially as he is still developing physically.

“I’m in awe of this young man, but what’s bothering me, and no one is talking about it, is injuries? At 15, swinging a big bat, playing so much cricket, I fear for his wrists, elbows, the smaller stuff and joints. What does medical opinion say? Remember, Sachin’s career almost got cut short by a bad elbow. He definitely would not have been swinging so hard so often as Sooryavanshi,” Cullinan posted on LinkedIn after Sooryavanshi’s match-winning 94-run knock in the final of the Tri-Nation series in Dambulla.

Cullinan remains convinced that the stress generated by Sooryavanshi’s powerful swings could place considerable pressure on his body over time.

“I think he would be on a fairly strict routine. It’s the fact that he is still growing, and so too the joints, ligaments, muscles, I would presume? They will be taking strain, I can assure you,” Cullinan wrote, replying to one of the comments.

The former Proteas batter pointed to the example of Sachin Tendulkar, a player with whom Sooryavanshi is frequently compared. Tendulkar’s celebrated career was threatened by a serious tennis elbow injury in 2004, an issue he later described as one of the most difficult setbacks he faced despite enduring numerous physical blows during his 24-year international journey.

Cullinan believes the modern game may present even greater challenges. With players using heavier bats and competing in a far busier cricket calendar than previous generations, he feels young cricketers face increased risks of long-term wear and tear.

“I know of a good few guys who picked up chronic wrist problems. The thing is, we were using lighter bats, playing far less cricket. He is still growing, which needs to be remembered. Today’s training and recovery methods will help, but I do fear for his long-term future and health,” Cullinan, who played 70 Tests and 138 ODIs for the Proteas, pointed out.

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