Rajasthan Royals (RR) batting coach Vikram Rathour hinted that 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi might not play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Vikram Rathour stated that the decision to play Vaibhav Suryavanshi would depend on factors like team strategy, pitch conditions, and opposition.
Rajasthan Royals signed Vaibhav Suryavanshi for ₹1.1 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. The batter became the youngest player ever to be bought in an IPL auction. Suryavanshi has impressed with his batting in the youth circuit, but his skills against top-level international bowlers remain untested.
Not Sure If We Will Use Vaibhav Suryavanshi or Not – Vikram Rathour
Vikram Rathour said that Vaibhav Suryavanshi might not make his IPL debut right away. He said that the young batter has exceptional talent but added that his selection would depend on various factors. Rathour also stated that Suryavanshi could develop into a top player with his power-hitting ability.
“I am not sure if we will use him or not, it will depend on the strategy, the surface, and the opposition. We acquired his services because he is a very special player,” Rathour stated in a press conference on Tuesday.
“He has a lot of ability, he may be young but I have hardly ever seen a player this young to possess the power he has. The signs are great and if he works hard I am sure he will be a big player,” he added.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi came into the limelight after smashing a 58-ball century in a red-ball match between India U-19 and Australia U-19 in Chennai. Ahead of IPL 2025, Suryavanshi represented Bihar in the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 132 runs in six innings at an average of 22.
However, breaking into Rajasthan Royals’ well-settled batting lineup might be a challenge. With players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel in the squad, the young batter may have to wait for his opportunity.
Rahul Dravid Is a Brilliant Coach – Vikram Rathour
Vikram Rathour, who joined Rajasthan Royals in September 2024, has reunited with head coach Rahul Dravid. The duo worked together in the Indian setup, where they played a key role in India’s success across formats, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup triumph.
Rathour expressed excitement about teaming up with Dravid again, calling him a brilliant coach. He added that while the IPL is a shorter tournament compared to year-long international cricket, their working dynamic would largely remain the same.
“There won’t be much difference. We have worked together before, he is a brilliant coach. I really enjoyed my tenure with him. When we were in the Indian team we were fortunate enough to win the World Cup. Otherwise, there’s not much difference, the IPL is a shorter tournament and Indian cricket is year-long,” Rathour opined.
We Might Have the Same Players for Up to Three Years – Vikram Rathour
The former Indian cricketer said that his coaching role revolves around supporting the players, providing guidance, and helping them perform at their best.
“The good thing is that you get to work with the same bunch of players, we might have the same players for up to three years. In the Indian team you have different batters across formats. As far as coaching is concerned, it’s about helping the team, supporting the batters, guiding them somehow and getting the best performance out of them,” Rathour explained.
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