New Delhi: An interaction at the 75th anniversary event of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) in Delhi sparked an online debate after the Olympic medalist Manu Barker Someone asked about teenage cricket star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The exchange was intended as a reference to a crossover between two young Indian sports stars, but quickly shifted the focus away from the Gunner’s own achievements, sparking criticism on social media that the question was wrongly framed.However, when asked about 15-year-old cricket star Sooryavanshi, Barker’s response was thoughtful, emphasizing guidance and environment rather than age.
She said: “I would say if the mentor is good, the company around you is good, and the people around you are good, then age is just a number. And talent knows no age. ““Great things happen at 60, they happen at 6. So if the people around him coach him well and guide him correctly, then I believe he will be the next big star,” the 24-year-old explained, stressing the importance of a support system for young athletes transitioning into elite sports.However, raising the issue sparked a backlash online, with many believing it damaged Barker’s own success at the Olympics. Joy Bhattacharjya, a well-known social media personality and former KKR team director, wrote: “Friends, she is an Olympic medalist. Asking her what she thinks about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not fair to her achievements and her sport. Cricket is the country’s dominant passion anyway; your sports editors don’t need another celebrity quote to headline Sooryavanshi. Or, ask Vaibhav Sooryavanshi about Manu Bhaker next time situation and see what you look like getting.” Other social media users echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that non-cricketing players are often drawn into cricket-centric narratives, especially in headline-driven reporting cycles.Meanwhile, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s landmark performance in the IPL continues to grab the attention of the cricketing world. At the age of 15, he had become the youngest player to reach 1,000 T20 runs and registered severalintense pulsed lightExcellent performances during the IPL season, including hundreds and high-hitting innings. His India U19 record reflects prolific runs, making him one of the most talked-about young batsmen in the system. Many have expressed their desire to see Soriyavanshi playing for the Indian senior team soon.
