Vaibhav Sooryavanshi launched himself in the Indian Premier League by smashing a six off the very first ball he faced.
On National Sports Day, Rajasthan Royals’ 14-year-old sensation was at another launch - this time stepping onto the kabaddi mat as one of the special guests for the opening of Pro Kabaddi 2025 season.
Vaibhav joined an illustrious line-up of Indian sporting icons at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Vizag, sharing the stage with badminton great Pullela Gopichand, hockey maestro Dhanraj Pillay, Paralympic medallist Yogesh Kathuniya, hurdler Jyothi Yarraji and kabaddi legend Pardeep Narwal.
Never one to just watch from the sidelines, Vaibhav stepped onto the mat to try out some kabaddi moves. He also bowled and batted in fun sessions, and spent time interacting with kabaddi players.
When cricket's next-gen met the Warriorz 🔥
— ProKabaddi (@ProKabaddi) August 29, 2025
Vaibhav Suryavanshi played cricket & witnessed the Pangebaazi up close ahead of the #PKL12 Grand Opening 👏#ProKabaddi #GhusKarMaarenge @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/gTtQT0K1qs
Later, he stayed back to soak in the opening clash between Telugu Titans and Tamil Thalaivas - his first live kabaddi match.
“I have been playing kabaddi since I was around five or six years old, so it felt really good returning to the mat and to watch a match live for the first time,” Vaibhav said.
“Be it kabaddi, cricket, badminton or any other sport, I firmly believe that hard work is the key to achieving one’s dreams and aspirations. While I have enjoyed playing kabaddi and table tennis, cricket has always been my first love.”
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It’s been a whirlwind year for the teenager. From smashing a six off his very first IPL ball to a record-breaking 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans, bagging the Super Striker of the Season award, and rewriting history with the fastest hundred in Youth ODIs - Vaibhav has ticked off many milestones most can only dream of.
“National Sports Day reminds me how sports bring everyone together. Playing teaches you teamwork, discipline, and resilience. I feel lucky to be part of Rajasthan Royals, learning and chasing my dreams - and I hope more kids like me start playing and believing in themselves,” he added.
Next up, Vaibhav is expected to be in action with the India U19 squad on their tour of Australia, starting September 21.
