‘He didn’t play because of his age but…’: Rahul Dravid on 14-year-old IPL sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi
GH News April 30, 2025 09:06 PM

New Delhi: In the bustling landscape of Indian cricket a 14-year-old prodigy named Vaibhav Suryavanshi has captured the imagination of fans coaches and experts alike. What sets him apart is not just his age but the remarkable maturity and fearlessness he brings to the field—traits far beyond his years. While his journey has just begun the early signs suggest something truly special is unfolding.
Watching Vaibhav bat one is struck by his audacity. He doesn’t merely survive the occasion—he thrives in it. According to those who have worked closely with him what stands out is his fearlessness and composure under pressure. He doesn’t get fazed by the enormity of the stage or the noise around him which is rare even for seasoned players let alone a teenager.
Technically his game is impressive. With a high back lift and extraordinary hand-eye coordination Vaibhav judges length with uncanny speed. This skill allows him to dispatch short balls and full tosses with equal ease. The raw power he generates through his bat speed and natural strength gives him the ability to clear boundaries with surprising ease—something even experienced players struggle with in high-pressure situations.
But no one within the Rajasthan Royals setup or the broader cricketing community is rushing to label him a finished product. Coach Rahul Dravid in particular emphasized that while Vaibhav’s potential is enormous his development must be gradual and grounded. “He is what he is—an exceptionally talented young player whos working really hard” Dravid remarked. “He’s going to go through ups and downs. That’s just the nature of the game especially in T20 cricket.”
Dravid also offered a refreshing perspective on handling fame and pressure noting that while media attention is inevitable what matters is the support system surrounding a young player. “You can’t control what people say about him but you can protect him with the right environment” he explained. Encouraging Vaibhav to stay grounded enjoy his game and learn from mistakes is a core part of their philosophy.
Even Vaibhav acknowledges the impact Dravid and the Royals’ coaching staff have had on his growth. “Sir always told me to be patient and play my natural game. He believed in me even when I didn’t perform initially” the youngster shared candidly.
Beyond coaching Dravid acknowledged the contributions of Vaibhav’s father his state system in Bihar and the staff at the National Cricket Academy. Cricket after all is a collective journey.
As India continues to invest in scouting and developing young talent players like Vaibhav signal the dawn of a new era. The future is undoubtedly bright but nurturing that promise with patience and responsibility will be key. For now the cricketing world watches as a 14-year-old boy with innocence on his face and determination in his eyes begins to write his own chapter in the grand story of Indian cricket.