Vaibhav Suryavanshi, just 14 years of age, has taken IPL 2025 by storm, capturing everyone’s attention with a blistering 35-ball century against the Gujarat Titans. However, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) are focused on fostering an environment where he can thrive without undue pressure.
RR head coach Rahul Dravid shared on Star Sports Press Room, “He’s been very welcomed. We wanted him to feel at home before the IPL spotlight shone on him.” The team made a concerted effort with regular training camps, making sure Suryavanshi got to know his teammates and the staff well: “We wanted him to know every player and staff member,” Dravid explained.
Despite being reserved, Suryavanshi seems to be handling the situation well. “He’s shy but doesn’t appear overwhelmed,” Dravid noted. “He’s having conversations and learning from each player, whether it’s Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, or Sanju Samson. He’s building friendships with seasoned domestic players.”
The focus with Suryavanshi, Dravid emphasised, is to keep things straightforward. “At this stage, you don’t want to confuse him with too many things but rather encourage him to have fun and enjoy his cricket,” he said. It’s clear they support his positive style of play.
Discussing his unique skills, Dravid remarked, “He’s got excellent bat speed and a high back lift. Moreover, his hand-eye coordination allows him to judge length quickly. This quickness and his natural strength give him an edge.”
The approach to guiding Suryavanshi seems thoughtful, aiming not to stifle his development with complexities but to bolster his natural game. Dravid’s insights reveal a careful balance between nurturing talent and letting a young star shine naturally.
