Manu Bhaker-Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Row: Why the Internet is Outraged

The Intersection of Two Sporting Phenoms

In the diverse landscape of Indian sports, few names have captured the public imagination as quickly as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Manu Bhaker. One is a 15-year-old batting prodigy from Bihar who has essentially rewritten the record books of the Indian Premier League (IPL), and the other is a double Olympic medalist and one of the most successful shooters in India’s history.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become a global talking point for his explosive batting style and effortless composure at the crease. Representing the Rajasthan Royals, the teenager has not only become the youngest centurion in the league’s history but has also accumulated over 500 IPL runs. Despite the immense pressure of the world’s biggest T20 league, Sooryavanshi maintains a charming, child-like demeanor—famously watching cartoons before stepping onto the pitch to face world-class bowlers.

However, a recent interaction involving these two sporting stars has shifted the conversation from athletic excellence to a heated debate about the nature of sports journalism and the cultural dominance of cricket in India.

The Spark: A Question at the NRAI Anniversary

The controversy began during the 75th anniversary event of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) in Delhi. Amidst a celebration of shooting excellence, Manu Bhaker, a celebrated figure in the sport and a national icon, was approached by the media. Instead of questions focusing on her historic Olympic achievements or her future goals in shooting, she was asked for her thoughts on the teenage cricket sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Bhaker, ever the professional, responded with grace and maturity. Rather than dismissing the question, she offered a thoughtful perspective on the development of young athletes. As reported by TOI, Bhaker stated: “I would say that if the mentorship is good, the company around him is good, and the people around are good, then age is just a number. And there is no age for talent.”

She further elaborated on the importance of a support system, adding, “Great things happen at 60, they happen at six. So if the people around him mentor him well and guide him properly, then I am sure he will be the next big star.”

Why the Internet is Raging: The ‘Cricket-Centric’ Bias

While Bhaker’s response was supportive and encouraging, the internet reacted with indignation. The outrage was not directed at the shooter, but at the media’s decision to ask the question. Social media users quickly pointed out the inherent irony and disparity in how different sports are treated in the Indian consciousness.

Critics argued that the exchange was a glaring example of India’s inability to look beyond cricket. The central point of contention was a simple comparison: Manu Bhaker was a senior World Cup gold medalist and a global sensation by the age of 16.

Fans and observers began asking a poignant question: Did anyone ever ask Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma for their thoughts on Manu Bhaker’s rise? The consensus was a resounding ‘no.’ The fact that an Olympic medalist is expected to comment on a cricketer who has not yet made his national debut was seen by many as a sign of disrespect toward non-cricketing disciplines.

Expert Opinion: Joy Bhattachariya Weighs In

The controversy gained more weight when Joy Bhattachariya, the former KKR team director and a respected voice in the cricketing fraternity, stepped in to defend Bhaker. Bhattachariya did not mince words, describing the question as fundamentally unfair.

Writing on the matter, Bhattachariya noted: “She is an Olympic medallist. To ask her what she thinks of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is unfair on her achievements and her sports.” His comments highlighted the frustration felt by many who believe that the massive popularity of the IPL often buries the hard-earned achievements of athletes in other sports.

Reflecting on India’s Sporting Aspirations

This row serves as a mirror to the current state of Indian sports. While the rise of stars like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is exciting and deserving of praise, the marginalization of an Olympic medalist during her own sport’s anniversary event suggests a systemic bias. For India to truly transform into a multi-sporting nation, the narrative must shift from centering everything around cricket to valuing excellence across all fields.

Manu Bhaker’s maturity in the face of a misplaced question is commendable, but the backlash reveals a growing desire among Indian fans to see their Olympic heroes given the respect and focused attention they deserve, without the shadow of the cricket bat looming over every conversation.