Rajasthan keen to shield teenager Sooryavanshi from the media glare

Protecting a Prodigy from the Spotlight

Rajasthan Royals have made it clear they want to keep their young star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi away from too much media buzz ahead of the IPL season. The 14-year-old left-handed opener, who turns 15 next week, exploded onto the scene last year with a stunning debut. He smashed the first ball he faced in the IPL for a six and followed it up with a blistering 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans, becoming the youngest player ever to hit a hundred in the tournament. His strike rate last season was over 206, showing his explosive potential at the top of the order. Now, with captain Riyan Parag leading the side, the team plans to pair him with Yashasvi Jaiswal, letting the experienced opener handle the pressure while Sooryavanshi plays freely. Parag has emphasized minimizing press interactions so the teen can focus purely on his game.

This approach comes as Rajasthan gears up for their opening match against Chennai Super Kings on March 30 in Guwahati. All eyes will naturally be on Sooryavanshi, but the franchise is determined to manage the hype carefully. His recent comments about aiming to break Chris Gayle's IPL record of 175 not out have only fueled the excitement. Yet, the leadership knows the dangers of overwhelming a young talent too soon. By shielding him, they hope to nurture his natural flair without the weight of constant scrutiny.

A Meteoric Rise in Cricket

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Signed by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 1.1 crore in the 2025 auction at just 14 years and 23 days old, he became the youngest player ever to bag an IPL contract. His international exploits added to the legend when he starred in India's Under-19 World Cup triumph earlier this year. In the final against England in Harare, he hammered 175 runs off 80 balls, smashing a record 30 sixes across the tournament and earning Player of the Match honors. This knock powered India to their sixth title in the competition. Domestically, he's shattered records too, like the fastest 150 in List A cricket off 59 balls and a joint-sixth fastest T20 century. Recently, Rajasthan Royals released a stylish video teasing his ambitions, showing him crossing off the Under-19 World Cup win and eyeing the IPL trophy next, inspired by a dramatic movie scene. His ability to dominate bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Ishant Sharma has everyone talking.

Experts are watching closely as he heads into a full IPL season for the first time. Last year, injuries to others like Sanju Samson gave him chances he grabbed with both hands. This time, with Samson now at Chennai, Sooryavanshi is locked in as Jaiswal's partner. His consistency in limited games last season suggests a breakout year ahead, but everyone agrees the key is balance.

Mentors and Warnings for the Road Ahead

The cricket establishment is rallying around Sooryavanshi to ensure he stays on the right path. Head coach Rahul Dravid has personally spoken to his parents and Bihar Cricket Association officials, offering guidance on his development. A Bihar CA official highlighted how well-intentioned mentors are crucial for such special talent. Former players like Irfan Pathan have cautioned against building too much hype too quickly, stressing mental balance for a long career. "He's been consistently making runs. Last season, we saw him in just seven games. This season, he's likely to get a full run of matches, so there is every chance this could be a breakout season for Vaibhav," Pathan noted, while urging caution. Riyan Parag echoed this sentiment. Comparisons are drawn to paths like Shubman Gill's steady highway versus Prithvi Shaw's bumpier lane, with parents playing a pivotal role. Post-IPL, Sooryavanshi will attend the National Cricket Academy's Under-19 camp as a star, but the support system—including legends like Dravid—sets him up well, unlike past eras with less guidance.

As a captain, I will tell him not to do many press conferences, not interact with the media much, just enjoy.

Even with Kumar Sangakkara now as head coach after Dravid's departure, the focus remains on protecting his growth. Sivaramakrishnan and others believe the robust backing will help him navigate challenges that tripped up previous young guns.

In summary, Rajasthan Royals' strategy to shield Vaibhav Sooryavanshi underscores a thoughtful approach to handling prodigious talent amid sky-high expectations. His explosive achievements demand care to sustain a bright future in cricket.