Rahul Dravid warns IPL prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi of spotlight pressure
Teen cricket sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi receives praise and caution from Rahul Dravid after historic IPL century.
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| Vaibhav Suryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals celebrates after reaching a century during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Gujarat Titans at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on April 28, 2025. Photo by Sajjad Hussain/AFP |
By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini
Rahul Dravid warns IPL prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi of the perils of stardom, even as the 14-year-old continues to amaze cricket fans with his explosive debut performances in the Indian Premier League 2025 season. Suryavanshi, a left-handed opener for the Rajasthan Royals, made headlines on Monday by smashing a 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans — the fastest T20 ton by a teenager and second-fastest in IPL history.
The youngster’s breathtaking 101 off 38 deliveries in Jaipur featured 11 towering sixes and left a bowling attack consisting of India’s experienced trio — Mohammed Siraj, Ishant Sharma, and Washington Sundar — scrambling for answers.
A performance beyond his years
Speaking at a press event hosted by Star Sports on Wednesday, Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid didn’t hold back in praising the rising talent. “The ability of him to have that level of fearlessness and not get phased by the occasion or what was happening around him… you don’t really get to see that with people who are so young,” Dravid remarked.
What struck the former India captain the most was Suryavanshi’s ability to stay composed and express a full range of strokes under pressure. “He’s got a range of shots and a kind of calmness about his batting that belies his age,” Dravid added.
Suryavanshi's innings helped Rajasthan post a commanding total that overwhelmed Gujarat Titans, reaffirming the Royals’ strong position in the league. But as the hype builds around the teenager’s talent, Dravid was quick to temper expectations.
"He’s not a finished article," says Dravid
Despite the wave of admiration, Dravid issued a balanced perspective on Suryavanshi’s future. “Nobody is saying he’s a finished article. No one should be in any rush to proclaim him as something that he’s not. He’s an exceptionally talented young player. He’s working really hard — but he’s going to have to keep improving,” Dravid said.
The boy wonder, purchased by Rajasthan Royals at the age of 13 for $130,500 in the November auction after a fierce bidding war, announced himself in style. On debut earlier this month, he launched the first ball he faced for six, sending a clear message about his fearless intent.
Within days, he rewrote history by becoming the youngest T20 centurion and the second-fastest in IPL history — a feat only eclipsed by Chris Gayle’s iconic 30-ball century in 2013.
Sudden fame and the road ahead
Suryavanshi’s meteoric rise has sparked comparisons with other IPL breakout stars such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah, who also made their names in the high-pressure environment of the league. However, never before has such a young player attracted this level of attention and expectation.
Former India opener Kris Srikkanth hailed Suryavanshi as “Indian cricket’s next superstar,” a title that reflects the magnitude of the teen’s potential — and the weight of public expectation.
Dravid acknowledged the dual nature of Suryavanshi’s situation. “It’s going to be exciting, but it’s also going to be challenging,” he said. “Maybe we shouldn’t shower him with that much attention and focus so early. Maybe it’s just a question of putting a bit of a support system around him and trying to help him navigate that as best as he possibly can.”
From Bihar to the big league
Vaibhav Suryavanshi hails from Bihar, India’s poorest state — a fact that makes his rise even more remarkable. His journey from local cricket circuits to facing India’s top bowlers in the IPL is already the stuff of legend. The young all-rounder, who also bowls spin, has displayed a unique blend of technique, power, and composure in the crease.
Dravid highlighted two specific qualities that set Suryavanshi apart: his ability to pick the length of deliveries early and his natural strength. “He’s got really good bat speed and obviously a high back lift — that’s pretty obvious. He seems to have a natural strength, which is really helpful in these situations,” the coach explained.
While power-hitting remains a defining feature of modern T20 cricket, the manner in which Suryavanshi dismantled the Gujarat Titans attack demonstrated much more than brute strength. His shot selection, game awareness, and clean timing drew admiration from across the cricketing world.
The IPL effect on young careers
The Indian Premier League has long served as a platform for young talents to shine on a global stage. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in discovering and grooming future stars for the Indian national team. But with fame comes scrutiny, and Dravid’s words serve as a timely reminder of the importance of managing young players’ mental and emotional well-being.
“There’s always a risk with young players. You don’t want to overwhelm them with too much pressure, too early,” Dravid cautioned. “He’s got the talent, yes, but the journey has just begun. It’s going to require patience, maturity, and support from everyone — coaches, teammates, and the media.”
Keeping feet on the ground
In the fast-paced world of IPL and Indian cricket fandom, breakout stars often face an intense spotlight. From social media frenzy to marketing endorsements, the trajectory of a player’s public image can rise as quickly as their on-field statistics.
Dravid’s emphasis on gradual development and grounded mentorship could prove vital in ensuring Suryavanshi’s long-term success. “He’s already showing signs of maturity with how he handles himself. But the challenge will be to keep his focus, stay consistent, and continue evolving,” Dravid concluded.
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, all eyes will remain fixed on Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The young left-hander has already achieved what most can only dream of — but the road ahead, as Rahul Dravid rightly points out, is long and filled with both opportunities and tests.
With a century already under his belt and guidance from one of Indian cricket’s wisest mentors, the teenager’s story is only just beginning. Whether he rises to become the next great of Indian cricket will depend not only on his raw talent but on how he and those around him navigate the demanding landscape of modern professional sport.
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