Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson is backing 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi to make an impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Despite being just a teenager, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has shown a keen understanding of the evolving demands of modern-day cricket, according to the Rajasthan Royals captain.
“Vaibhav looks very confident; he was hitting sixes out of the ground at the Rajasthan Royals Academy,” Sanju Samson said on a special show on JioHotstar.
“People were already talking about his power-hitting. What else can you ask for? It’s all about understanding his strengths, backing him and being there for him like an elder brother,” he added.
When asked what advice he would offer Suryavanshi - who became the youngest player ever to be shortlisted for an IPL 2025 auction last year - Samson emphasised his approach on mentoring young talent.
“We (at Rajasthan Royals) ensure a positive atmosphere in the dressing room and back our players… I feel he is ready for the IPL. He looks capable of landing a few solid punches here and there.”
Vaibhav’s sensational 2024 season saw him dominate both domestic and international cricket.
Playing for Bihar against Baroda, Vaibhav 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-hander also played a pivotal role in India’s run to the ACC U19 Asia Cup final, scoring two crucial half-centuries.
Photo: ESPNcricinfo
