As the excitement surrounding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to grow, the former South African batsman Darryll Cullinan has raised concerns about the demands of the 15-year-old, especially given his aggressive hitting and workload.Sooryavanshi has quickly gained fame for its fearless approach and amazingly powerful beats. His ability to produce exceptional bat speed has been one of the defining features of his game. However, Cullinan believes that such a brutal method can harm the child’s body, especially since he is still growing. “I’m scared for this guy, but what’s bothering me, and no one is talking about it, is the injury? At 15, I’m swinging big bats, playing a lot of cricket, I’m afraid of wrists, elbows, small things and his organs. What does the medical opinion say? Remember, Sachin‘s career was almost cut short by a bad elbow. He wouldn’t have been bowled as often as Sooryavanshi,” Cullinan wrote on LinkedIn after Sooryavanshi’s 94-run knock in the Tri-Nation final in Dambulla.Cullinan remains convinced that the stress caused by Sooryavanshi’s intense swings can strain his body over time.“I think that he would be on a very strict routine. It is true that he is still growing, and so are the organs, nerves, muscles, I would think? He will be taking problems, I assure you,” Cullinan wrote, in response to one of the comments.The former Proteas batsman pointed to the example of Sachin Tendulkaran actor with whom Sooryavanshi is frequently compared. Tendulkar’s illustrious career was threatened by a serious injury to tennis elbow in 2004, an issue he later described as one of the worst he had ever faced despite the many blows he had endured during his 24-year international career.Cullinan believes that today’s games can lead to serious problems. With players using heavier bats and competing in a much busier cricket calendar than previous generations, he feels young players are at risk of long-term damage.“I know of a few guys who have taken serious hand problems. The thing is, we were using light bats, we are playing very little cricket. He is still growing, that must be remembered. Modern methods of training and recovery will help, but I fear for his long-term future and health,” Cullinan, who played 70 Tests and 138 ODIs, said of the Proteas.
