- Thursday, May 01, 2025
The 14-year-old has left the cricket world in awe after he scored the second-fastest century in IPL history and became the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket
By: India Weekly
RAJASTHAN ROYALS head coach Rahul Dravid on Wednesday (30) lauded Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s dramatic feat, but cautions that he will need support to handle overnight stardom to achieve his full potential.
The 14-year-old left-handed opener, hailing from Samastipur in Bihar, left the cricket world in awe after he struck a quickfire century in Rajasthan’s latest win over Gujarat Titans in Jaipur on Monday (21).
His 35-ball hundred is the second-fastest century in IPL history and the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket.
He hammered 11 sixes and destroyed a bowling attack comprising some big names, including India’s Mohammed Siraj, Ishant Sharma and Washington Sundar.
Dravid praised “the ability of him to have that level of fearlessness and not get fazed by the occasion or what was happening around him”, he told reporters.
“You don’t really get to see that with people who are so young,” Dravid added, noting the “range of shots as well that he showed”.
Dravid, speaking at a news conference organized by Star Sports, said there was still a long road ahead for the boy.
“He’s only going to develop and he’s only going to get better. Nobody is saying he’s a finished article,” former India captain Dravid told an online press conference.
“No one should be in a rush and proclaim him what he is not. He is what he is.
“He’s an exceptionally talented young player, who is working really hard on his skills and abilities, but he’s going to have to keep improving.”
Suryavanshi, who made headlines when bought by Rajasthan for $130,500 after a bidding war at the November auction when aged 13, announced himself on his debut this month by launching his first ball in the IPL for six.
Nine days later, in only his third IPL match, Suryavanshi scored a ton which is second only to Chris Gayle’s 30-ball ton in 2013 IPL.
The boy wonder became an overnight hero and ex-India opener Kris Srikkanth dubbed him “Indian cricket’s next superstar”.
Power and hype
“I think it’s going to be exciting – as well as it’s going to be challenging,” Dravid added, speaking about Suryavanshi.
“And I think, I would love to say that maybe we should not shower him with that much attention and that much focus.”
IPL has been a breeding ground for up and coming talent with the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah making a name for themselves through the league.
But never has a 14-year-old garnered so much attention.
Dravid, who has coached India A and under-19 teams, said Suryavanshi’s ability to pick the length of the ball early makes him stand out.
“He’s got good hand-eye coordination in terms of judgment of length. That’s something that’s really amazed me.
“He’s got a really good bat speed and obviously got a really high back lift, that’s pretty obvious,” Dravid said.
“He seems to have a natural strength, which is really helpful in these situations.” (Agencies)
