14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s remarkable rise in the world of cricket can be described by the old saying, “It takes a village to raise a champion.” His journey from a small town in Bihar to making a stunning IPL debut has been a testament to the collective effort of his family, coaches, and cricketing authorities who believed in his potential.
Suryavanshi made his mark in the IPL on Saturday, April 19, 2025, by smashing a six off the very first ball he faced from Shardul Thakur, a moment that captured the attention of the cricketing world. In a high-pressure environment, this fearless teenager displayed composure and skill that belied his years, scoring a quick-fire 34 off 20 balls, including multiple sixes. This performance was nothing short of sensational for a player still in his teens.
But such extraordinary talent didn’t emerge overnight. Vaibhav’s father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, played a pivotal role in nurturing his son’s cricketing dreams, even selling his farmland to support his training. At the age of 10, Vaibhav’s coach, Patna-based Manish Ojha, began molding him into a professional cricketer. Ojha recognized Vaibhav’s potential and made sure the young player faced at least 600 deliveries a day as part of his rigorous training regimen.
The Bihar Cricket Association also played an instrumental role by fast-tracking Vaibhav into the Ranji Trophy, despite his young age. The Under-19 national selectors, led by Thilak Naidu, further accelerated his growth by bringing him into Colts Test cricket, setting him on the path to greater success.
Vaibhav’s talent was further honed by Rajasthan Royals, with coaching from Rahul Dravid and Zubin Bharucha. They ensured he was prepared for the fast-paced nature of the IPL, making him face high-speed side-arm throwdowns of over 150 kmph in the run-up to the tournament.
In a world where most 14-year-olds are preoccupied with video games and school homework, Vaibhav’s dedication has been exceptional. Hailing from Samastipur in Bihar, he has shown extraordinary power and timing in his shots, even managing to hit Thakur’s deliveries into the stands on his debut. His coach, Ojha, credited Vaibhav’s impeccable technique and timing, drawing comparisons with legendary players like Yuvraj Singh, whose bat swing Vaibhav’s technique closely resembles.
Vaibhav’s father has kept a low profile, focusing on protecting his son from the media frenzy surrounding his success. Ojha, however, acknowledged the immense sacrifices made by Vaibhav’s parents. Sanjiv, despite his busy schedule, would travel 100 km every other day to take his son to matches, while Vaibhav’s mother ensured his diet was strictly followed to fuel his training. Ojha shared that the Suryavanshi family would even prepare food for the net bowlers who assisted Vaibhav during his training sessions, a gesture that further highlights the family’s dedication to his cricketing aspirations.
The preparation for IPL was no less intense. After the IPL auction, Vaibhav attended four camps organized by Rajasthan Royals, including one at their state-of-the-art academy in Talegaon. Despite having only a brief experience in U-19 cricket and the Plate group Ranji Trophy, Vaibhav was thrust into a high-pressure environment with no special treatment. Royals’ coaching staff, including Dravid and Bharucha, ensured he was held to the same standards as the senior players. This helped Vaibhav adapt to the intense competition and high-speed bowling, making him ready for the IPL stage.