Uncertainty Over 13-Year-Old Sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi? Rajasthan Royals Coach Says "Not Sure..."

Ahead of the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, Rajasthan Royals (RR) have reflected on their plans for the youngest tournament recruit Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The 13-year-old Suryavanshi became the youngest player in IPL history to get a contract when he was signed by RR for a staggering Rs 1.10 crore in last year's auction in Jeddah. The teenager's sensational 2024 season saw him dominate both domestic and international cricket. Playing for Bihar against Baroda, Suryavanshi scored 71 off 42 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 to become the youngest Indian to score a List A fifty.

On the international stage, he blazed his way to the fastest youth Test century by an Indian with a 58-ball ton against Australia in Chennai. The left-handed batter also played a pivotal role in India's run to the ACC U19 Asia Cup final, scoring two crucial half-centuries.

RR batting coach Vikram Rathour lauded the talented youngster and believes with hard work, he will rise to the top. However, he revealed that the teen's IPL debut will take time and depend on the team's strategy.

“I am not sure if we will use him or not, it will depend on the strategy, the surface and the opposition. We acquired his services because he is a very special player. He has a lot of ability, he may be young but I have hardly ever seen a player this young to possess the power he has. The signs are great and if he works hard I am sure he will be a big player,” said Rathour in a press conference on Tuesday.

Rathour, a seasoned cricket professional, joined RR's coaching setup in September 2024, shortly after the franchise welcomed Rahul Dravid back as head coach, reigniting a successful partnership that elevated India to the top of the rankings in