Coach Rathour explains Suryavanshi’s Skill and his chats with Kholi and Dhoni
After hitting an amazing, record-breaking century against Gujarat Titans on April 28th, 2025, Vaibhav Suryavanshi grabbed everyone's attention. At just 14, he's the youngest player ever to debut in the IPL. He scored the second-fastest hundred in IPL history, needing only 35 balls. More than just numbers, comments from his Rajasthan Royals (RR) coaches and stories about meeting legends like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli show what makes this young player special.
Vikram Rathour on Suryavanshi
Rajasthan Royals' batting coach, Vikram Rathour, provided a technical and temperamental assessment of the young Bihar batter following his historic knock. Rathour hailed the innings as "really, really special," particularly given the high-pressure context of a run-chase against a strong bowling attack. He confirmed that Suryavanshi's potential was evident during trials months earlier, describing him as an "extraordinary" find requiring careful nurturing.
Addressing the remarkable power Suryavanshi generates despite his young age, Rathour attributed it to sound technique. "Technically, he has a great downswing, which helps him generate that kind of power," Rathour explained in the post-match press conference. He emphasized that while the team knew of his capabilities from net sessions, performing under the intense spotlight of an IPL match demonstrated not just skill but also exceptional temperament and nerve for a 14-year-old. "Today, he showed everyone exactly how good he is," Rathour added, acknowledging the maturity displayed during the crucial innings.
Interactions with Icons: Dhoni and Kohli
Adding another layer to Suryavanshi's burgeoning story, RR team manager Romi Bhinder shared details of the youngster's encounters with two of Indian cricket's biggest icons: MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli.
According to Bhinder, Suryavanshi met Dhoni during RR's earlier match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Guwahati. Bhinder, who has previously worked with Dhoni, noted similarities in the calm demeanor of both players despite their aggressive batting styles. He revealed that the former India captain praised the young prodigy, reportedly telling Bhinder, "Okay, you got the baby in your team. The baby is showing the great shots like a matured player." This acknowledgment from a figure renowned for his cricketing acumen and composure highlights the impression Suryavanshi has made.
Bhinder also confirmed that Suryavanshi, an admirer of Virat Kohli, had the opportunity to meet the RCB star. During their interaction, Kohli reportedly shared valuable advice with the teenager, emphasizing the importance of remaining "grounded," staying "humble," and continuing to "work hard" – counsel often given to rising stars navigating newfound fame and expectations.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi's impressive start in the IPL isn't just about breaking records. His coach sees natural talent, good technique for hitting hard, and impressive calmness when things get tough. Plus, the fact that legends like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli met him, praised him, and gave advice shows just how much attention the 14-year-old has already earned in the cricket world. It all points to a player with amazing skills and the right attitude to handle the start of what could be a great career.
