At just 14 years of age, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has become the name on every cricket fan’s lips. From playing gully cricket in Bihar to smashing a 35-ball century in the IPL 2025, the young sensation has already made the cricketing world sit up and take notice.
And now, former India star Ambati Rayudu has offered him a piece of advice that could shape his career for years to come—“Go and talk to Brian Lara.”
Ambati Rayudu, who believes Vaibhav could one day become “India’s Brian Lara.” On Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, Rayudu offered a powerful piece of advice: the youngster should seek out the legendary Lara himself for batting wisdom.
A Teenager Who Plays Like a Star
Suryavanshi, bought by Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.10 crore, has been nothing short of spectacular in his debut IPL season. Scoring 251 runs in seven matches, including a blistering 101 off just 38 balls, he has shown maturity far beyond his age. His fearless stroke play and lightning-fast bat speed have drawn comparisons with some of the game’s greats.
Rayudu, speaking on a podcast, highlighted what makes Vaibhav so special. He pointed out the youngster’s unique “bat whip”—a quick, powerful downswing that generates tremendous power. According to Rayudu, this natural flair reminds him of the legendary West Indies batter Brian Lara.
Why Brian Lara?
Rayudu explained why Lara is the perfect inspiration for Vaibhav:
“His bat speed is extraordinary. Jo uska whip aata hai… I hope nobody changes that. Someone like Lara also had a similar bat lift. If Vaibhav talks to him, he can learn how to control his bat speed—when to play with soft hands, when to defend, and when to attack. If he learns that, he will be an extraordinary talent.”
In simple terms, Rayudu believes that a conversation with Lara could help Vaibhav master the fine art of balance—knowing when to unleash his power and when to play with control.
Don’t Listen to Too Many People”
Rayudu’s second piece of advice was equally important—keep it simple. Young players often face a flood of opinions and suggestions, which can sometimes do more harm than good.
“He only has to focus on one thing—don’t listen to too many people. Just back your talent. Coaches should also avoid giving him too much advice. Leave him to play his natural game,” Rayudu said.
This is a refreshing reminder that cricketing brilliance often comes from trusting instincts rather than overthinking.
Lucky to Have Rahul Dravid as Mentor
One major advantage for Vaibhav is having Rahul Dravid as his coach at Rajasthan Royals. Known for shaping India’s next generation of cricketers, Dravid is the perfect guide for a talent like Vaibhav.
Rayudu stressed this point too:
“He is lucky that Rahul bhai is with him. Rahul bhai will take care of him.”
With Dravid’s calm guidance and Lara’s potential insights, Vaibhav has the chance to blend raw aggression with technical brilliance.
Future Is Bright:
Vaibhav’s story is just beginning, but the signs are promising. At 14, he is already being compared to legends and breaking records. Not many can boast of a 35-ball century in the IPL, let alone at such a young age.
IPL 2025 Stats (Debut Season)
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Not Outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL 2025 | 7 | 7 | 251 | 101 (38 balls) | 41.83 | 174.12 | 1 | 1 | 28 | 15 | 1 |
His journey reminds fans of the early days of Sachin Tendulkar, who also burst into the cricketing scene as a teenager. With the right mentorship and the freedom to play his natural game, Vaibhav could well be the next big superstar of Indian cricket.
In Shorts:
Ambati Rayudu’s advice is more than just guidance—it’s a roadmap for a prodigy who could redefine Indian cricket. If Vaibhav Suryavanshi can combine his natural flair with the wisdom of legends like Lara and Dravid, fans may be witnessing the rise of a once-in-a-generation cricketer.
At just 14, he already plays like a star. With the right lessons, the world is his stage.
