As the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) draws near, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) have shared an update regarding their highly regarded teenage talent, Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The 13-year-old sensation captured attention last year by becoming the youngest player ever signed at an IPL auction, with RR acquiring him for an impressive INR 1.10 crore.

His performances over the past year have only heightened the anticipation surrounding his future. Suryavanshi's 2024 season was remarkable; he made headlines with a standout innings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 71 runs off 42 balls for Bihar against Baroda, thus becoming the youngest Indian to achieve a List A fifty.

On the international front, he astonished audiences in Chennai by scoring a rapid century off just 58 balls, marking the fastest century by an Indian in youth Test cricket. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in India's advancement to the ACC U19 Asia Cup final, contributing two significant half-centuries.

Despite his impressive ascent, RR's batting coach Vikram Rathour has indicated that Suryavanshi may not make his IPL debut right away. While recognizing his exceptional talent, Rathour stressed that the decision regarding his inclusion in the playing XI will depend on team strategy and dynamics.

"I cannot confirm whether we will utilize him immediately; it will rely on our strategy, the pitch conditions, and the opposing team. We brought him on board because he is an extraordinary player. His abilities are remarkable, and although he is young, I have rarely seen such power in a player of his age. The prospects are promising, and if he continues to work hard, I am confident he will become a significant player," Rathour remarked during a press conference on Tuesday.

Rathour on reuniting with Dravid

The experienced coach, who became part of the Rajasthan Royals' organization in September 2024, has rejoined head coach Rahul Dravid, reviving a collaboration that previously led India to excel in various formats and secure the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title.

Rathour conveyed his excitement about the opportunity to work with Dravid once more.

“There won't be significant changes. We have collaborated in the past, and he is an exceptional coach. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with him. During our tenure with the Indian team, we were fortunate to win the World Cup. However, the fundamental aspects remain the same; the IPL is a shorter competition, while Indian cricket is a year-round endeavor.

“The advantage is that we get to work with a consistent group of players, potentially for up to three years. In the Indian team, we often have different batters for various formats. In terms of coaching, it revolves around assisting the team, supporting the batters, providing guidance, and maximizing their performance,” Rathour elaborated.

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