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Suryavanshi was signed for Rs 1.10 crore by Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 mega auction. He is the youngest player to earn an IPL contract.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi was signed for Rs 1.10 crore by RR in IPL 2025 mega auction. (Picture Credit: X/@vaibhav_sooryavanshi09)
Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has backed Vaibhav Suryavanshi to make a big name for himself in the IPL 2025. The 13-year-old cricketer from Bihar is set to become the youngest player to feature in the world’s richest franchise cricket league. The left-handed batter was signed for Rs 1.10 crore by the Jaipur-based franchise in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Ahead of the start of the 18th season of the IPL, Samson, who led RR to the IPL final in 2022, said Suryavanshi is ready for the IPL, and he has already impressed RR management with his six-hitting ability.
“Vaibhav looks very confident; he was hitting sixes out of the ground at the academy. People were already talking about his power-hitting. What else can you ask for? It’s all about understanding his strengths, backing him, and being there for him like an elder brother,” Samson said on Jio Hotstar.
“I think he looks ready to contribute. The key is to keep him in the best shape and provide a relaxed environment, which is something Rajasthan Royals is known for. We ensure a positive atmosphere in the dressing room and back our players. You never know—he might end up playing for India in a couple of years. I feel he is ready for the IPL. He looks capable of landing a few solid punches here and there. Let’s see what the future holds,” he added.
When asked about the advice he would give to a young talent like him, Samson said, “The boys of today don’t lack confidence at all. They are very brave and understand the current situation of Indian cricket and the brand of cricket that needs to be played.”
“For me, rather than giving advice, I prefer observing first—how a youngster wants to play his cricket, what he likes, and what kind of support he needs from me. Then, I work my way around that.”
‘Buttler is like elder brother’
Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, Royals didn’t retain former England white-ball captain Jos Buttler, who was then snapped by Gujarat Titans. According to Samson, letting go of his close friend Buttler was the toughest thing for him, and that if he had the power to change a rule in the IPL, it would be to never release players.
“IPL gives you the opportunity to lead a team and play at the highest level, but it also allows you to build close friendships. Jos Buttler is one of my closest friends. We played together for seven years, forming a long batting partnership. We knew each other so well and always kept in touch. He was like an elder brother to me.”
“When I became captain, he was my vice-captain and played a huge role in helping me lead the team. Letting him go has been one of the most challenging things for me. Even during the England series, I told him over dinner that I was still not over it. If I could change one thing in the IPL, I would change the rule of releasing players,” he added.