Rahul Dravid Backs Teen Sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi to Keep Getting Better

After his record-breaking IPL hundred, 14-year-old Suryavanshi is being guided by Rahul Dravid through cricket’s spotlight

It’s not every day that a 14-year-old walks into the Indian Premier League and lights up the stage with a century that leaves even the most seasoned players wide-eyed. But Vaibhav Suryavanshi is not your average teenager. The Rajasthan Royals opener made history earlier this week by smashing a breathtaking 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans—becoming the youngest player ever to score a hundred in men’s T20 cricket.

And now, one of India’s greatest-ever players, Rahul Dravid, is calling for calm. “He’s only going to get better,” said the Royals mentor and former India captain. “But he’ll need the right kind of support to deal with everything that comes with this kind of sudden fame.”

For a boy who was virtually unknown just a few weeks ago, Suryavanshi has turned into a national sensation almost overnight. His dazzling 101 off 38 balls, peppered with 11 sixes and seven boundaries, wasn’t just a sign of raw talent—it was a statement. Yet, amid all the media attention, social media buzz, and growing expectations, Dravid is urging balance.

“Let Him Be a Kid Too”

Dravid says Suryavanshi, 14, needs support from fame

Speaking with the kind of wisdom that has defined his post-playing career, Dravid was keen to highlight the importance of protecting young players from the harsh spotlight that comes with success.

“Putting a certain level of support around him to navigate all of this attention, while still allowing him that space to just be a youngster, is going to be important,” he explained. “You can’t completely block out everything, but at the same time, you don’t want to be overwhelmed by it either. Finding that middle ground—that’s probably the key.”

Dravid knows better than most what it’s like to be a teenage prodigy in Indian cricket. And while Suryavanshi’s rise might seem like a fairytale, it’s also a moment that needs to be managed with care.

The Youngest IPL Centurion

Dravid: 14-year-old star needs support system

Suryavanshi was snapped up by Rajasthan Royals at the 2024 IPL auction for a tidy sum of ₹1.1 crore (around £103,000)—a remarkable price for someone who was still 13 at the time. That move made him the youngest player ever to be signed in the history of the league.

He made his debut earlier this month against Lucknow Super Giants and promptly announced himself by launching his very first ball for six. A brisk 34 followed, and it was clear from that moment that this kid had something special.

But even that didn’t quite prepare fans for what was to come. In only his third outing, Suryavanshi tore into the Gujarat Titans bowling attack with the kind of fearlessness that defines generational talents. His 35-ball hundred is now the fastest ever by a teenager in the format.

Praise from Legends

Since that innings, the accolades have poured in. Indian cricket royalty—from Sachin Tendulkar to Yuvraj Singh—have praised the youngster’s timing, technique, and temperament. But even in the face of such heady recognition, Dravid is reminding everyone to be patient.

“Let’s not be in a rush to call him the next big thing,” he said. “Nobody is saying he’s the finished article. He’s an exceptionally talented young player, yes, and he’s working really hard on his skills—but there’s still a long road ahead.”

Dravid’s words reflect both admiration and caution. And coming from a man who has worked closely with India’s next-gen stars in various roles—from under-19 coach to national team head coach—they carry weight.

A Talent Years in the Making

Suryavanshi didn’t just appear out of thin air. Before he was breaking records in the IPL, he was already catching eyes at the youth level. In a youth Test match against Australia Under-19s last year, a 13-year-old Suryavanshi blasted a century off just 58 balls—a feat that sparked whispers about a precocious new talent.

Dravid, who has observed him closely in the Royals setup, offered a bit of technical insight into what makes the youngster so special.

“He’s got really good hand and bat speed, and a very high backlift,” Dravid noted. “But it’s his hand-eye coordination that’s most impressive. His ability to pick up length early—it’s something that really stands out. He’s very quick to latch on to anything that’s even slightly short or full.”

Those instincts can’t be taught. They belong to players born with something extra. And it’s this natural flair that’s fuelling comparisons to some of the sport’s great entertainers.

The Road Ahead

While the IPL can act as a springboard to international stardom, it can also be a pressure cooker. That’s why Dravid’s focus is less on milestones and more on development. His message to both the public and Suryavanshi himself is clear: enjoy the moment, but stay grounded.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s going to keep getting better,” Dravid said. “He just needs to keep working hard, stay humble, and surround himself with the right people.”

It’s advice that’s served many a young cricketer well over the years. And if Suryavanshi continues on his current path, there’s every chance we’ll be hearing his name for a long time to come.

A Bright Star, Still Rising

So where does Vaibhav Suryavanshi go from here? The short answer: anywhere he wants. His age, his talent, and his fearless approach have already set him apart. But as Dravid wisely points out, what happens next is just as important as what has already happened.

For now, fans can sit back and enjoy watching one of cricket’s most exciting young stories unfold. Whether it’s another six, another century, or just the joy of seeing a 14-year-old having fun on the big stage, Suryavanshi has already delivered something rare: hope, excitement, and a glimpse of the future.

And with Rahul Dravid guiding him from the sidelines, that future looks very bright indeed.