In the IPL 2025 match against the five-time champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Tuesday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, Vaibhav Suryavanshi was commended by Rajasthan Royals (RR) batting coach Vikram Rathour for his "maturity and temperament."
Suryavanshi had few early opportunities as he faced just seven balls during the powerplay while chasing 188 on a batting-friendly wicket. After settling down, though, he changed tactics with assurance and reached his half-century in just 27 deliveries.
After smashing four fours and four sixes in his last 57 off 33 balls, Suryavanshi was dismissed by R Ashwin. Additionally, Suryavanshi and captain Sanju Samson enjoyed a 98-run partnership that laid the groundwork for RR's resounding six-wicket triumph.
“Very impressive. We've been working with him for quite some time now—maybe three to four months. We've seen all these aspects, but it's great to see him doing that in a game, especially under pressure.
In a big game like today, the ball was moving when he went in. He hardly got any deliveries, and wasn't on strike much during the powerplay. But the maturity and temperament he showed were excellent. These kinds of experiences will definitely help him become a better player over time,” Rathour said in the post-match press conference.
Following Suryavanshi's impressive 104 off 62 balls for India U19 in a Youth Test match against Australia last September at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Rathour disclosed that the Royals' backend personnel had recommended the young player.
“Yes, there's a team, a backend team, that monitors all the leagues, watches all kinds of cricket that people are playing. And they recommended him. Like, he scored that 100 against Australia in the U-19s, I think. So, the recommendation was made. And honestly, when I saw him for the first time, I was convinced.
Just from that downswing of his bat - I think he's very, very unique. I haven’t seen anything like that in a long, long time. And now he's showing that he has the temperament as well. He’s going to be a very, very special player,” Rathour added.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest to play an IPL match and hit an IPL and T20 century. He finished with 252 runs in 7 matches with a strike rate of 206.55.
