NEW DELHI: In a season where the Rajasthan Royals might want to erase IPL 2025 from memory, a silver lining has emerged in the form of 14-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi. This young talent has captured the imagination of cricket fans with his elegant stroke-play and explosive power-hitting, racking up an impressive 252 runs in just seven innings. As the IPL spotlight fades, Suryavanshi is gearing up for a pivotal challenge—the India U19 multi-format tour of England in June-July—while his coach makes a bold prediction about his future.
Among his standout performances in IPL 2025, Suryavanshi’s 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, showcasing his ability to dominate top-tier bowlers. Equally memorable was his mature half-century against Chennai Super Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where he displayed tactical acumen beyond his years. These performances have not only cemented his reputation as a generational talent but also drawn comparisons to some of India’s brightest young stars of the past.
Ashok Kumar, Suryavanshi’s coach from his days with Bihar U19 and senior men’s teams, is unequivocal in his belief that the teenager could fast-track into India’s senior T20I setup within two years. Speaking to IANS, Kumar emphasized that with focused improvements in fitness and fielding, the young batter could become a mainstay in a youthful Indian T20I squad, where most players, barring a few veterans, are under 25. “If Vaibhav hones these aspects, I firmly believe the BCCI will give him a chance. His attitude to win matches single-handedly, as seen in that blistering hundred against Titans, is remarkable,” Kumar noted.
Kumar also credited the mentorship of Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour for refining Suryavanshi’s white-ball game. “In just three months, his ability to read match situations has improved drastically. From his Bihar U19 days to now, his aggressive intent and adaptability set him apart. Fans have only seen a glimpse of what he’s capable of in the IPL,” Kumar added. The upcoming England tour, featuring a 50-over warm-up match, a five-match ODI series, and two multi-day games, will be Suryavanshi’s baptism by fire in challenging English conditions—a crucial step toward the 2026 U19 Men’s World Cup.
Off the field, Suryavanshi’s mental growth has been as striking as his on-field exploits. Kumar revealed that pre-match conversations during IPL 2025 underscored the youngster’s newfound mental toughness. “He constantly tells me, ‘Sir, mei India khel ke hi rahunga’ (I will play for India at any cost). Coming from Bihar, a state not traditionally known for producing cricketing superstars, makes us incredibly proud,” Kumar shared. This determination was evident in Suryavanshi’s journey through the India U19 team—scoring a 58-ball century against Australia and representing India at the U19 Asia Cup—leading to his selection for the England tour.
A poignant moment from IPL 2025 came during RR’s six-wicket victory over CSK, when Suryavanshi, after a composed fifty, was seen touching MS Dhoni’s feet in a gesture of respect. Kumar wasn’t surprised by this act of humility: “He never hesitates to seek blessings from seniors. The more he receives, the brighter his future will be.” Strategically, Kumar advised patience before the CSK game, urging shot selection after Suryavanshi reflected on mistimed dismissals in prior matches. “Against Ashwin, we discussed his likely fuller deliveries outside off-stump with drift. Had he played straight, as he did against Jadeja, he might not have been dismissed,” Kumar explained.
As Suryavanshi prepares for England, Kumar remains optimistic about future domestic call-ups, hinting at potential inclusions in the Duleep Trophy and Deodhar Trophy post-tour. With a blend of raw talent, mental fortitude, and a grounded approach, Vaibhav Suryavanshi is not just a name to watch but a potential cornerstone of Indian cricket’s T20 revolution. Could this 14-year-old be the next big thing in just two years? The cricketing world waits with bated breath.