Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder revealed the emotional post-match interaction between head coach Rahul Dravid and 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi after the youngster’s sensational century against Gujarat Titans.
Dravid, currently recovering from an injury and using a wheelchair, stood up to applaud Suryavanshi after his brilliant knock lit up the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Overcome with emotion, Dravid even momentarily forgot his crutches as he rose to his feet to cheer the teenager.
“Obviously, it’s a great pleasure for a great coach because he picked up Vaibhav in the auction and showed great belief, giving a sermon in all these practice sessions. And when you see the result, Rahul Dravid is also a human being – he is very happy and also feels that at least we’ve got some serious talent, and we are trying to give this serious talent to the country. Rahul bhai hugged him and wished him luck, and we need many more like him,” Bhinder told Sports Today.
In the IPL 2025 clash against Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans on Monday, April 28, Suryavanshi smashed a stunning 35-ball century as Rajasthan Royals chased down a daunting target of 210. The young left-hander reached his fifty off just 17 balls and brought up his century with a massive six over deep mid-wicket off Rashid Khan in the 10th over.
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Vaibhav hammered 101 off just 38 balls, becoming the youngest player in IPL history to score a century at just 14 years and 32 days old. Chasing a challenging target of 210 on a batting-friendly wicket, Rajasthan Royals cruised to victory, reaching 212 for two in just 15.5 overs.
After the landmark, Dravid, Vaibhav’s teammates, and the Royals’ support staff gave the 14-year-old a standing ovation. Despite his injury, Dravid’s excitement saw him stand unaided, passionately applauding the youngster’s achievement.
Suryavanshi’s innings was a fearless display of clean ball-striking, as he hammered 11 sixes and seven fours against a bowling attack featuring international stars like Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Rashid Khan, and Karim Janat.
