Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has set the cricketing world abuzz with his bold endorsement of 13-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, claiming the youngster is primed to make an impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
Speaking at the SuperStar series on JioHotstar, Samson marveled at Suryavanshi’s explosive power-hitting, famously noting, “He was hitting sixes out of the ground at the academy.” As the IPL gears up to kick off on March 22, 2025, all eyes are on this teenage sensation who could redefine the future of Indian cricket.
The cricketing fraternity is no stranger to young talent breaking through, but Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s story is extraordinary even by those standards. Born on September 27, 2011, in Bihar, this 13-year-old batter has already shattered records and turned heads with his fearless approach. His journey to the IPL began with a historic moment at the mega auction in November 2024, where Rajasthan Royals snapped him up for Rs 1.1 crore (approximately £105,000), making him the youngest player ever bought in the tournament’s history. This wasn’t just a gamble; it was a statement of intent from a franchise known for nurturing raw talent. Sanju Samson, a veteran of the IPL himself, didn’t hold back in praising the teenager’s potential, signaling that Suryavanshi could be more than just a novelty act—he might just be a game-changer.
Samson’s confidence in Suryavanshi stems from firsthand observation. During a training session at the Royals’ academy, the young batter left an indelible impression by smashing sixes with the kind of authority that belies his age. “The boys of today don’t lack confidence at all,” Samson remarked during his JioHotstar interview. “They are very brave and understand the current situation of Indian cricket and the brand of cricket that needs to be played.” For Samson, it’s not about molding Suryavanshi into something he’s not; it’s about letting the youngster’s natural flair shine while providing the right support. “Rather than giving advice, I prefer observing first—how a youngster wants to play his cricket, what he likes, and what kind of support he needs from me,” the Royals captain explained. This approach underscores a modern, player-centric philosophy that could be key to unlocking Suryavanshi’s potential.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s credentials are as impressive as they are unprecedented. Before his IPL call-up, he had already etched his name in the record books. At the age of 12, he became the youngest player to score a century in a Youth Test match for India U-19, surpassing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh in that milestone. His knock of 104 off just 62 balls against Australia U-19 in Chennai showcased his ability to dominate quality bowling attacks. That performance wasn’t a fluke—it was a glimpse of a talent that combines raw power with a maturity far beyond his years. Posts on X have been buzzing with excitement, with fans and analysts alike marveling at his potential to take the IPL by storm.
The Rajasthan Royals, under Samson’s leadership, see Suryavanshi as a long-term investment with immediate upside. “I think he looks ready to contribute,” Samson said, emphasizing the importance of keeping the youngster in top shape both physically and mentally. “The key is to keep him in the best shape… We ensure a positive atmosphere in the dressing room and back our players.” This nurturing environment could be the perfect launchpad for Suryavanshi, who will be stepping into a high-pressure tournament watched by millions worldwide. The Royals’ faith in him isn’t just about the present—it’s about the future. “You never know—he might end up playing for India in a couple of years,” Samson added, a prediction that doesn’t seem far-fetched given the teenager’s trajectory.
Suryavanshi’s rise hasn’t come without its share of challenges. Hailing from Samastipur, a small town in Bihar, he didn’t have the luxury of elite facilities or instant recognition. His father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, a former district-level cricketer, recognized his son’s talent early and moved the family to Patna to give him better opportunities. From there, Vaibhav’s journey took him to the Bihar Ranji Trophy setup, where he made his debut at the tender age of 12 in January 2024. Facing seasoned bowlers twice his age, he held his own, further proving that age is just a number when talent and determination collide. His exploits in domestic cricket caught the eye of scouts, paving the way for his IPL breakthrough.
The IPL 2025 season, starting March 22, will be a litmus test for Suryavanshi. At 13, he’ll be competing against some of the world’s best cricketers—bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, and Rashid Khan, who have years of experience and guile on their side. Yet, Samson believes the teenager’s confidence and adaptability will see him through. “Vaibhav looks very confident,” he said, recalling those towering sixes at the academy. The Royals’ strategy seems to be to let him play his natural game rather than burdening him with expectations. “The onus will be on the rest of the team to provide him a relaxed environment,” Samson noted, highlighting the collective responsibility to ease the youngster into the big league.
Beyond his technical ability, Suryavanshi brings a fresh energy that aligns with the evolving demands of T20 cricket. The modern game rewards aggression, innovation, and fearlessness—qualities this 13-year-old seems to possess in abundance. His power-hitting has drawn comparisons to young stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal, another Royals success story, though Suryavanshi’s journey is unique in its precocity. Social media platforms like X are alight with chatter about his potential, with some calling him “the future of Indian cricket” and others marveling at his auction price tag. At Rs 1.1 crore, he’s already a millionaire before his teenage years—a testament to the faith franchises have in his abilities.
For Rajasthan Royals, Suryavanshi represents more than just a player; he’s a symbol of their commitment to youth and innovation. The franchise has a history of unearthing gems—think Jaiswal, Sanju Samson himself, and now perhaps Vaibhav Suryavanshi. With the IPL 2025 season looming, the team’s management will be keen to integrate him into their plans, whether as a surprise starter or a strategic substitute. The tournament’s fast-paced nature means opportunities can come quickly, and if Samson’s words are anything to go by, Suryavanshi won’t shy away from seizing them.
As March 12, 2025, dawns, the cricketing world is on the cusp of witnessing history. Vaibhav Suryavanshi isn’t just a name to watch—he’s a phenomenon in the making. Sanju Samson’s endorsement has only amplified the hype, and while the pressure of the IPL spotlight could overwhelm some, this 13-year-old seems built for it. “He was hitting sixes out of the ground,” Samson said, a phrase that might soon echo across stadiums if Suryavanshi lives up to his billing. Whether he’s smashing boundaries or soaking in the experience, one thing is clear: the IPL 2025 season just got a whole lot more exciting with this teen titan in the mix.
