November 26, 2024: Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid has expressed his excitement about the inclusion of 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the squad ahead of the IPL 2025 season.
Suryavanshi, who has become the youngest player ever to be bought in an IPL auction, was secured by the franchise for a substantial Rs 1.1 crore after a fierce bidding war between Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals. Dravid reflected on Suryavanshi’s impressive skills and the positive impression he made during the trials.
“Vaibhav just came to our trials and we were really happy with what we saw. I think, he’s got some really good skills, so we thought it might be a good environment for him to grow in,” Dravid said in a video shared on the IPL’s official social media handle.
Suryavanshi, born on March 27, 2011, in Bihar, is certainly making his mark at a very young age. He made his first-class debut for Bihar in January 2024, at just 12 years and 284 days old, a record that highlights his early potential. Recently, he also featured for India U19 in a match against Australia in Chennai, where he made a significant impact by scoring a 58-ball century. Despite his age, he has already shown great promise, amassing 100 runs in five first-class matches, with a highest score of 41. Currently, he is part of the ongoing Ranji Trophy and recently debuted in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with a T20 match against Rajasthan.
The young prodigy’s rise hasn’t come easily. His father, Sanjeev Suryavanshi, reflected on the struggles the family faced, particularly financial challenges that even led them to sell their land to support Vaibhav’s cricketing journey. He credited Rakesh Tiwari, the President of the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA), for playing a crucial role in shaping Vaibhav’s career. “If Rakesh Tiwari sir wasn’t there, I don’t think my child would have got the chance to play cricket for Bihar,” Sanjeev said, expressing gratitude for the support that helped Vaibhav rise through the ranks.
Dravid’s endorsement of Vaibhav’s talent, combined with Rajasthan Royals’ commitment to creating a nurturing environment for young players, presents an exciting opportunity for the teenager. Under the mentorship of seasoned players and coaching staff, Suryavanshi will likely have the ideal platform to further develop his game and gain invaluable experience in one of the world’s most competitive cricket leagues.
The IPL 2025 season could be a defining moment in Vaibhav’s burgeoning career, and with the backing of Rajasthan Royals, his future in the sport looks incredibly promising.