Six months after the end of the IPL 2025 season, former Indian coach Rahul Dravid spoke openly about 14-year-old superstar Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
The advice Dravid gave Vaibhav after his departure from Rajasthan Royals (RR) has surprised everyone.
Vaibhav made a splash in the IPL this year, becoming the youngest batsman to score a century. He also performed brilliantly in England and Australia.
Now there is talk of a fast-track entry into Team India, but Dravid says more hard work is still needed.
Vaibhav had a remarkable year. He hit a six off Shardul Thakur, an international-level bowler, on his very first ball in the IPL. His century, along with his aggressive shots, surprised the bowlers.
This left-handed batsman seems mature beyond his years. RR gave Vaibhav a good opportunity in IPL 2025, but the team failed to reach the playoffs. Still, Vaibhav has given fans new hope.
What did Rahul Dravid reveal about Vaibhav Suryavanshi?
Dravid told Gaurav Kapoor on the show ‘Breakfast with Champions’
“To someone like that, the thing you’re trying to tell him is just explore the edges of your talent. First ball in the IPL, he hit Shardul Thakur for a six. I mean, Shardul Thakur is an international bowler, a terrific bowler.
It’s not the skill. Skill he has. But it’s the mindset. You can’t really teach that mindset. You just have to manage it and own it.
You certainly can’t curb it. As a coach, it’s not so much about instructing him but giving him the platform and the freedom to express himself.”
IPL 2026: Vaibhav Suryavanshi Strength
Dravid also gave a special message to Vaibhav’s coaches. He says that this kid doesn’t need to be taught too much, but rather challenged. Take Vaibhav out of his comfort zone so he can learn on his own.
Dravid said, “Creating a certain set of difficulties in the nets, or creating different situations, which then allow him. Or feeding him stuff that he might not be strong at.
And then allowing him to discover how he does it and find his own unique way of doing it. That would be a good way to go about it. It’s a process of self-discovery. And don’t get in the process.”
Currently, Vaibhav is the vice-captain of the Bihar Ranji team. RR has retained him for IPL 2026, so the next season will be even more explosive. These words from Dravid are setting up Vaibhav’s future.
After IPL 2025, all eyes are on Vaibhav. Team India management is also tracking him.
