Virender Sehwag warns 14-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi — here’s why

Rajasthan Royals’ 14-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi may have taken the IPL 2025 by storm with his fearless debut, but cricketing legend Virender Sehwag has issued a timely reminder for the youngster to stay grounded and focused on the long road ahead.

Suryavanshi, the youngest player ever to be picked in an IPL auction, made headlines with a dream debut. Purchased by RR for a staggering ₹1.10 crore after entering the auction at a base price of ₹30 lakh, the left-handed batter from Bihar smashed a six off the very first ball he faced in the tournament. He followed that up with a fiery cameo of 34 off 20 balls against Lucknow Super Giants, and then scored a quick 16 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru — both innings peppered with towering sixes.

Despite the early heroics, Sehwag has urged caution. Speaking on Cricbuzz, the former India opener said, “If you step out knowing that you will get praised for doing well and criticised when you don’t, you will stay grounded. I’ve seen many players who become overnight stars but fade away just as fast because they stop putting in the work.”

He also advised Suryavanshi to take inspiration from Virat Kohli, who debuted in the IPL at 19 and has played every season since. “He should aim to play for 20 years. Kohli is a great example of consistency and dedication. But if Vaibhav thinks he’s already made it — that he’s a crorepati and a star because of a great debut — we might not see him again next year,” Sehwag warned.

Suryavanshi got his chance in the playing XI after RR captain Sanju Samson missed a match due to a side strain. While the youngster has shown glimpses of immense talent, Sehwag pointed out the importance of building innings and not just going for big hits from ball one.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals are struggling in the tournament. Their narrow 11-run loss to RCB at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium marked their fifth defeat in a row, leaving them at eighth place on the points table.

As the season progresses, fans and experts alike will be watching Vaibhav Suryavanshi closely — not just for fireworks with the bat, but for signs of maturity and the mindset of a long-term star in the making.