“Rahul Sir called him into the room”: Sanju Samson reveals long-kept secret of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Rahul Dravid’s Wise Words Before Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s IPL Debut
The Lead-Up to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s IPL Debut
At the prestigious BCCI’s annual Naman Awards ceremony, a heartwarming revelation was made by none other than Sanju Samson. The cricketing world was given a glimpse of the wisdom shared by legendary cricketer Rahul Dravid with the young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on the eve of his IPL debut. Vaibhav, at the tender age of 14 years and 23 days, stepped onto the field of the Indian Premier League for the first time on April 19, 2025.
Prior to the IPL 2025 season, the Rajasthan Royals acquired the promising young talent for a significant sum of INR 1.1 crore. This made Vaibhav the youngest player to debut in the IPL in 2025, showcasing his immense potential. His debut match was against the Lucknow Super Giants, marking the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable journey in Indian cricket.
Rahul Dravid’s Mentorship and Guidance
For a teenager like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the magnitude of making an IPL debut cannot be understated. Understanding the mental fortitude required, Rahul Dravid, then the head coach of the Rajasthan Royals, took it upon himself to have a personal conversation with the young cricketer. Almost a year later, Sanju Samson provided insights into the invaluable advice imparted by Dravid to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
During the BCCI awards ceremony, where accolades were showered upon cricketers who had brought glory to Indian cricket, Vaibhav and Sanju shared the stage. Samson recounted the conversation between Rahul Dravid and the budding talent, shedding light on the mentorship provided by the former cricketer.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Remarkable Debut
With Sanju Samson narrating the dialogue, it was revealed that Dravid had asked Vaibhav about his game plan for the IPL debut. Vaibhav’s response, “Agar hume pehla ball mila to hum pehla hi uda denge” (If the first ball is in my zone, I’ll hit it in the air), set the tone for what was to come. True to his words, Vaibhav’s debut innings saw him scoring a quickfire 74 runs off just 52 balls, including five boundaries and four massive sixes against the Lucknow Super Giants.
His fearless approach and determination were evident when he smashed Shardul Thakur for a six off the very first ball he faced. This display of talent and courage endeared Vaibhav to fans and cricket aficionados alike, setting the stage for a promising future in the sport.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s IPL 2026 Aspirations
Looking ahead, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has set his sights on a lofty goal for the upcoming IPL 2026 season – to clinch the coveted IPL trophy for the Rajasthan Royals. Expressing his commitment to contributing to the team’s success, Vaibhav emphasized the collective benefit of winning the championship.
With determination in his eyes and a passion for the game, Vaibhav aims to play a pivotal role in helping his team secure the IPL title in the upcoming season. His dedication and ambition serve as a beacon of hope for Rajasthan Royals fans and the cricketing community at large.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Journey Beyond IPL Debut
Following his sensational IPL debut, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s journey in cricket took on a new dimension. His rapid rise to prominence within the Rajasthan Royals squad earned him accolades from cricketing legends and fans alike. Vaibhav’s unique blend of talent, grit, and fearlessness on the field captured the imagination of cricket enthusiasts across the country.
As Vaibhav continued to hone his skills and make significant contributions to the team’s success in subsequent matches, his name became synonymous with the future of Indian cricket. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver impactful performances in crucial moments solidified his reputation as a rising star in the cricketing world.
The Impact of Mentorship on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Rahul Dravid’s mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s early career. The guidance and wisdom imparted by the legendary cricketer instilled a sense of discipline, focus, and determination in the young talent. Dravid’s emphasis on the importance of mental strength, technique, and perseverance resonated with Vaibhav, influencing his approach to the game.
Under Dravid’s tutelage, Vaibhav learned the value of patience, hard work, and continuous improvement. The lessons instilled by his mentor became the foundation upon which Vaibhav built his cricketing journey, propelling him towards greater heights in the sport.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Evolution as a Cricketer
As Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued to evolve as a cricketer, his game underwent significant transformations. The once fearless young batsman developed a more nuanced understanding of the game, incorporating strategic thinking, adaptability, and resilience into his playing style. Vaibhav’s growth as a cricketer was reflective of his willingness to learn, adapt, and overcome challenges on and off the field.
His performances in domestic cricket, coupled with his consistent displays of skill and temperament in the IPL, cemented Vaibhav’s reputation as a player to watch in Indian cricket. His ability to read match situations, make crucial decisions under pressure, and deliver when it mattered most showcased his maturity and readiness to take on greater responsibilities in the team.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Role in Indian Cricket
As Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s influence in the cricketing world continued to grow, discussions around his potential impact on Indian cricket gained momentum. Experts and analysts lauded Vaibhav’s talent, work ethic, and leadership qualities, highlighting his potential to become a key figure in the national team in the years to come.
With a strong foundation laid by his early experiences in the IPL and mentorship from cricketing stalwarts like Rahul Dravid, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s journey in Indian cricket was poised for further success. His dedication to the game, hunger for improvement, and unwavering commitment to excellence positioned him as a role model for aspiring cricketers and a source of inspiration for fans across the country.
As Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued to make strides in his cricketing career, his impact on the sport transcended boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of cricket lovers worldwide.


