As the excitement around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the former South African batsman continues to grow Daryll Cullinan has raised concerns about the physical demands placed on the 15-year-old prodigy, especially given his explosive batting style and increasing workload.Sooryavanshi quickly gained a reputation for his fearless approach and incredible batting power. His ability to generate exceptional bat speed has become one of the defining features of his game. But Cullinan believes that such an aggressive method could eventually take its toll on the young man’s body, especially since he is still physically developing. “I’m in awe of this young man, but what’s bothering me, and nobody’s talking about, are the injuries? At 15, swinging a big bat, playing so much cricket, I fear for his wrists, elbows, little things and joints. What does the medical opinion say? Remember, SachinHis career was almost cut short by a bad elbow. “Definitely wouldn’t swing as often as Sooryavanshi,” Cullinan posted on LinkedIn after Sooryavanshi’s match-winning knock of 94 runs in the final of the Tri-Nation series in Dambulla.Cullinan remains convinced that the stress caused by Sooryavanshi’s powerful swings could put significant strain on his body over time.“I think he’d be on a pretty strict routine. Fact is he’s still growing, joints, ligaments, muscles, I guess? They’ll be tough, I assure you,” Cullinan wrote in response to one of the comments.The former Proteas batsman pointed to an example Sachin Tendulkara player with whom Sooryavanshi is often compared. Tendulkar’s illustrious career was threatened by a serious tennis elbow injury in 2004, a problem he later described as one of the worst falls he had faced despite taking a number of physical blows during his 24-year international journey.Cullinan believes the modern game can present even greater challenges. With players using heavier bats and competing in a much busier cricket calendar than previous generations, he believes young cricketers face an increased risk of long-term wear and tear.“I know of a few guys who have developed chronic wrist problems. The thing is, we’ve been using lighter bats, playing far less cricket. He’s still growing, which is something to keep in mind. Today’s training and recovery methods will help, but I fear for his long-term future and health,” said Cullinan, who has played 70 Tests and 138 ODIs for the Proteas.
