NDTV Sports Desk
Updated: April 20, 2025 | 12:49 PM IST
Read Time: 3 min
Rajasthan Royals introduced a rising star during their IPL 2025 match against Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday: 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Despite the team’s defeat, Vaibhav left a lasting impression with a blistering 34 off just 20 balls—launching his IPL career with a six off the very first delivery he faced, bowled by Shardul Thakur.
Acquired by the Royals for ₹1.1 crore in last year’s mega auction, Vaibhav has undergone a disciplined transformation in preparation for professional cricket, including a strict diet.
“He’s not allowed to eat mutton anymore—those are the instructions. Pizza has also been removed from his diet,” said his coach, Manish Ojha, in an interview with the Times of India. “He loves chicken and mutton and used to be crazy about pizza. Whenever we served him mutton, he’d finish it all. That’s why he used to look a bit chubby.”
Ojha, who has closely mentored the young left-hander, believes Vaibhav has a playing style reminiscent of Yuvraj Singh and Brian Lara.
“He’s a fearless batter. He often says he idolizes Brian Lara, but I see a mix of Lara and Yuvraj in him. His aggression is very similar to Yuvraj’s,” Ojha remarked. “He’s going to go far. The way he started his innings shows he’s ready for big performances in upcoming matches.”
On the night before the game against LSG, Vaibhav received a call from head coach Rahul Dravid confirming his debut. Filled with excitement and nerves, he immediately called his coach to share the news—and his game plan.
“He was overjoyed but nervous,” Ojha recalled. “He told me that Dravid sir and the team management had confirmed his debut. He said, ‘If I get a ball that’s meant to be hit for six, I’ll go for it. I won’t settle for singles on those.’”
Vaibhav has always looked up to Rahul Dravid, whom he considers a guiding figure.
“He’s just a kid—emotional and driven. He always talks about Dravid sir like he’s a god,” Ojha added. “During training, I often give him match scenarios—like needing 40 runs in 4 overs—and he usually pulls them off with balls to spare. That’s the kind of talent and mindset he has.