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Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a fertile ground for emerging talent, but few stories have captured the imagination quite like that of Vaibhav Suryavanshi. At just 14 years old, the Bihar-born batter has already made waves by becoming the youngest player ever sold in the IPL auction, securing a Rs 1.1 crore deal with Rajasthan Royals. His explosive 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 announced his arrival on the big stage, showcasing a fearless six-hitting ability against some of the world’s best bowlers. However, with early stardom comes unique challenges, and former Indian opener has offered valuable advice to the young sensation as he prepares for IPL 2026.
Former India star batter advices Vaibhav Suryavanshi about fame and money
Shikhar Dhawan recognizes the extraordinary nature of Suryavanshi’s journey, emphasizing the rarity of a 14-year-old confidently standing up to seasoned international bowlers. Dhawan applauded the youngster’s fearless approach and credited the IPL for enabling children to dream big from an early age. Yet, he also sounded a note of caution about the pressures that accompany such rapid success.
Dhawan highlighted the importance of managing fame, attention, and financial rewards wisely. He praised the Rajasthan Royals’ coaching staff, including Rahul Dravid and Vikram Paji, for nurturing not just cricketing skills but also the character of young players.
“For him, the challenge is going to be how he is gonna handle the fame, the attention, and the money as well. A blessing that happened to him is that he was in great hands… Rahul Bhai, Vikram Paji (coaches of Rajasthan Royals). They are very very good cricketers. They don’t just believe in making good cricketers but good human beings as well. It’s very important to be a good human being,” Dhawan told Hindustan Times, underscoring that personal growth off the field is as crucial as performance on it. This holistic approach, he believes, will help Suryavanshi stay grounded amid the whirlwind of IPL stardom.
Also READ: Vaibhav Suryavanshi hits fastest century in Youth ODI history during 4th ENG U-19 vs IND U-19 clash
Suryavanshi’s challenges and growth in IPL 2026
Looking forward to IPL 2026, Dhawan anticipates a tougher season for Suryavanshi. With bowlers now aware of his strengths, the young batter will face more strategic and challenging plans aimed at curbing his dominance. Dhawan pointed out that this phase is critical for Suryavanshi’s development as a cricketer, as overcoming these hurdles will build resilience and maturity.
Mental health, Dhawan emphasized, will be a key factor in how Suryavanshi copes with rising expectations from both the public and himself. The pressure to perform consistently and live up to early promise can be daunting, and the ability to maintain focus and confidence will determine his long-term success. Dhawan’s insights reflect a seasoned perspective on the highs and lows of professional cricket, offering a roadmap for the young prodigy to not only survive but thrive in the IPL’s competitive environment.
Also READ: Top 5 fastest fifties in Youth ODIs by Indians ft. Vaibhav Suryavanshi
