At just 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is already carrying the kind of expectations that usually come with years of experience. In barely two years on the professional circuit, the Bihar prodigy has emerged as one of Indian cricket’s biggest talking points, setting records at a breathtaking pace since making his international debut this year.

His rapid rise and long-term future were among the key talking points at a crucial review meeting held by various stakeholders at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) headquarters in Mumbai on Thursday.

Sooryavanshi, who became the youngest male cricketer to represent India during the T20I series in England in July, has already drawn comparisons with batting great Sachin Tendulkar.

BCCI secretary Saikia said the board wants the youngster to build a career that could eventually reach the heights achieved by the legendary Mumbaikar.

“We want Vaibhav Sooryavanshi or any player of his stature to continue and serve like Sachin Tendulkar did for the country or other players who in the past became legends,” Saikia told reporters.

“So we look at Vaibhav in a very serious manner. He’s monitored from every angle and every step he is taking forward in his international career. The BCCI is taking a very close look at his future.”

However, the board is in no hurry to throw the teenager into bigger assignments.

Saikia stressed that Sooryavanshi’s development will be handled carefully, with the BCCI determined to ensure that his early success translates into a sustained international career rather than a fleeting burst of form.

“We are very cautious that every right step he should take forward so that it should not be a one-series or one-year wonder,” he said.BCCI secretary Saikia

The BCCI, meanwhile, is keeping a close eye on a wider group of teenage prospects. According to Saikia, around 10 to 15 players in the same age bracket are being monitored as part of the board’s long-term planning.

“We are looking at all the players, not only Vaibhav’s relevance, but there are about 10–15 players who are in our targeted group,” Saikia said.

“They are constantly monitored by our COE head, VVS Laxman, who is taking keen interest in their future and their training and skill development.”