Sooryavanshi Incident Highlights Need For Mental Conditioning In Young Cricketers

As the profile of young Indian batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to grow, experts believe the teenager will increasingly face sledging and psychological pressure , making structured “situation management” training essential for his long-term development.

The 15-year-old, who is currently among the most talked-about young cricketers in the country, reportedly reacted aggressively during a recent India A match in Sri Lanka against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla, where opposition players used verbal tactics in a closely contested game that India A eventually lost. The incident has reignited discussions around mental conditioning in elite youth cricket .

Prominent sports psychologist Dr Swaroop Savanur, who has worked with the National Cricket Academy (NCA), IPL teams and various Indian age-group sides, said players of Sooryavanshi’s calibre must be prepared for constant attempts to disturb their focus.

“I have worked with Vaibhav at the NCA during Under-16 camps. He is a calm boy,” Savanur said, adding that the BCCI Centre of Excellence , headed by VVS Laxman, already includes sports psychology as part of its structured player development system.

Savanur stressed that while talent is abundant, the key differentiator at the highest level is emotional control under pressure . He emphasised the need to build “situational intelligence” , allowing young players to respond effectively in high-pressure and provocative environments.

A former senior national selector also underlined the importance of mental preparation , cautioning that young players may feel added pressure while stepping into roles once held by senior stalwarts. He said proper counselling and reassurance from team management can help reduce anxiety and improve performance consistency.

Savanur further noted that modern cricket is no longer just a technical or physical contest but a strong mental game , where progress is reflected gradually through improved preparation, decision-making, and composure rather than immediate visible changes.

Sooryavanshi, who enjoyed a standout IPL season with Rajasthan Royals, reportedly scored 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.31 , emerging as one of the most explosive young batters in domestic and franchise cricket.

Experts believe that as Indian cricket undergoes a transition phase , with several senior players exiting across formats, integrating mental conditioning as a routine part of training will be crucial to help young talents handle expectations, setbacks, and on-field provocations effectively.