Sanju Samson backs 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi for IPL 2025 season
12 Mar 2025

Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson has backed 13-year-old cricket prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi to deliver in the upcoming 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Speaking at the SuperStar series on JioHotstar, Samson stated, ahead of the tournament, that Suryavanshi "is ready to make a big impact."

The young talent was signed by RR for a whopping ₹1.1 crore, making him the youngest-ever player to sign with a team in the IPL.

Here's more.

Samson praises Suryavanshi's confidence and power-hitting skills
Power-hitter

In a recent interview on JioHotstar's SuperStar series, Samson was asked what advice he would give to the young player.

He said, "The boys of today don't lack confidence at all. They are very brave and understand the current situation of Indian cricket and the brand of cricket that needs to be played."

"Vaibhav looks very confident; he was hitting sixes out of the ground at the academy. People were already talking about his power-hitting," he further added.

Samson emphasizes the importance of understanding young players' strengths
Player development

Samson stressed on the need to know a young player's strengths and support him as an "elder brother."

He said, "It's all about understanding his strengths, backing him, and being there for him like an elder brother."

The Rajasthan Royals will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23.

The tournament will begin on March 22.

Historic debut in Ranji Trophy
Ranji

In January 2024, the player created history by becoming the second-youngest player ever to play in a Ranji Trophy game for Bihar.

He made his First-Class debut at a mere 12 years and 284 days old.

This feat earned him places in the India A and India B U-19 teams. It acted as a selection platform for the ICC U-19 World Cup 2024.

13-year-old IPL recruit shone in VHT and U19 Asia Cup
Vijay Hazare

Suryavanshi, the youngest player ever signed by the IPL, dominated the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25.

At just 13, he smashed 71 runs off 42 balls for Bihar against Baroda on December 31, 2023.

Earlier, he impressed with a century for India U19 against Australia U19.

Meanwhile, he first caught attention with a brilliant 104 off 62 balls in that series.

Continuing his form, he scored 176 runs in five matches at the Men's U19 Asia Cup.

Crorepati at the age of just 13!
Fact

The player's inclusion in the IPL 2025 auction list marked a major milestone in his budding career. He featured as the 491st name in the uncapped batter category. And now, he is an IPL player and also a crorepati.

A look at his career numbers
Fact

In five FC matches, the youngster owns 100 runs at 10 with the best of 41. In 6 List A matches, he has scored 132 runs at 22. The batter has played a solitary T20, scoring 10 runs.