Former India batter Ambati Rayudu has showered praise on teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling him ‘extraordinary’ after a historic debut season in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Rayudu also stressed that the youngster is in safe hands at the Rajasthan Royals, where head coach Rahul Dravid is overseeing his development.
“He’s an extraordinary talent. He needs to be handled carefully and guided in the right way…He is lucky that Rahul (Dravid) bhai is with him. Rahul Bhai will take care of him,” Rayudu said.
Rayudu also urged the youngster to keep things simple. “He should not listen to too many people. Just back your talent. And for coaches, too, don’t overload him. Leave him be,” he said.
Rayudu even drew comparisons with West Indies great Brian Lara while analysing Vaibhav’s technique.
“Maybe (Vaibhav should) go and talk to him (Lara). He had a similar type of bat lift. If Vaibhav learns to control that while defending and playing with soft hands, he’ll be exceptional,” Rayudu added.
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Earlier this year, Vaibhav announced himself in IPL 2025 by smashing a six off his very first ball at just 14 years and 23 days old.
He then became the youngest centurion in IPL history with a 35-ball hundred against the Gujarat Titans, finishing his debut season with 252 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 206.56 and winning the Super Striker of the Season award.
The left-hander has since carried his form to the international stage, scoring the fastest century in men’s Youth ODI history against England in July. He has also been named in the India U19 squad for their upcoming tour of Australia, starting September 21.
