Actually, Manu Bhaker was talking to the media during the 75th anniversary celebrations of the National Rifle Association (NRAI). During this time he was asked his opinion about 15 year old Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Manu replied very politely and spoke positively about the future of the young player.

Manu Bhakar said, ‘If one has the right people around him, gets good mentorship and gets the right guidance, then age is just a number. Talent has no age. If good people give him the right direction, he can become a big star in the future.

This restrained answer of Manu was also appreciated, but the anger of social media users erupted over the way the question was asked. People said that the player who won the Olympic medal for the country should have been questioned about her game, preparation or achievements and not about the cricketer.

Many users attributed this to the mentality of giving excessive importance to cricket in India. Some people wrote that players of other sports do not get the respect they deserve. This issue again came into discussion that the achievements of other sports are often overshadowed by cricket.

Vaibhav is in great form at the moment. He has caught everyone’s attention with his explosive performance in the Under-19 World Cup and IPL 2026. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, Vaibhav has scored 357 runs in 8 matches this season, which includes two half-centuries and one century. Recently he scored a century in just 36 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Vaibhav was bought by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 1.10 crore before IPL 2025. Now his entry into the Indian team is also being discussed soon. Although Manu Bhakar showed restraint in this entire controversy, but social media has made it clear that people are now becoming more aware about the respect of other sports in India.