“It’s Very Important To Be…”: Former Indian Opener Warns IPL Wonderkid Vaibhav Suryavanshi Ahead Of The 2026 Edition

The Indian Premier League has always been more than just a cricket tournament — it’s a dazzling spectacle, a talent incubator, and for many, a dream factory. Every season, the IPL unearths a gem or two — raw, unpolished but brimming with promise. In 2025, one such phenomenon stormed the stage not with experience but with audacity and youthful brilliance.

At just 14 years old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the fearless left-handed batter from Bihar, has emerged as the youngest player ever to feature and score a century in IPL history, sending shockwaves through the cricketing world and capturing the imagination of millions. But as the spotlight blazes brighter, so do the challenges.

And standing in the wings, offering perspective drawn from two decades in the game, is Shikhar Dhawan — one of India’s most charismatic openers — who has now taken on the role of mentor, philosopher, and guide for the precocious teen.

The Beginning of a Phenomenon

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s story reads like a fairy tale penned by the cricketing gods.

Spotted in junior tournaments hammering sixes with astonishing ease, the Bihar-born wonder kid was fast-tracked into age-group setups. But few expected what would unfold next. During the IPL 2025 auction, Rajasthan Royals stunned everyone by shelling out Rs 1.1 crore to secure his services — making him the youngest-ever IPL signing.

Critics raised eyebrows. Analysts warned of the risks. Social media exploded in curiosity.

Then came that knock — a 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans that didn’t just silence doubters but announced his arrival in thunderous fashion. He took on the likes of Rashid Khan and Mohammed Shami with the kind of confidence seen in battle-hardened pros.

It wasn’t just the runs, or the nine sixes, or the breathtaking strike rate — it was the swagger. Here was a 14-year-old dominating global bowlers, batting like he belonged.

The Boy with the Bat and the Billion Eyes

Instant fame followed. From viral reels to ad campaigns, Suryavanshi became a household name overnight. In a country where cricketing prodigies are revered, he was now the poster boy of Indian cricket’s Gen Z.

With media frenzy, commercial deals, and expectations soaring, the big question shifted from “Who is he?” to “What next?”

That’s where Shikhar Dhawan stepped in — not with loud advice, but with heartfelt wisdom rooted in experience.

Shikhar Dhawan: Guiding the Spark

In an exclusive chat with Hindustan Times, Dhawan praised the young star’s fearless intent and raw talent.

“The kid’s got fire,” Dhawan said. “He’s facing top-class bowlers and backing himself — that takes guts.”

Yet, Dhawan’s tone quickly turned from admiration to caution. Having seen the rollercoaster of fame firsthand — from scoring tons for India to battling injury and form — the southpaw knows what lurks behind the glamour.

“For him, the challenge is going to be how he handles fame, the attention, and the money as well,” Dhawan reflected. “That’s not easy for anyone, let alone a teenager.”

Dhawan stressed that talent, while vital, was only one part of the equation. Managing mental well-being, staying grounded, and surrounding oneself with the right mentors were just as crucial.

The Royals’ Secret: Character Before Cricketer

Dhawan reserved special praise for the Rajasthan Royals’ support system — particularly Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour (fondly referred to as “Vikram Paji”), who have been instrumental in Vaibhav’s journey.

“A blessing that happened to him is that he was in great hands… Rahul Bhai, Vikram Paji. They don’t just believe in making good cricketers but good human beings as well.”

This holistic development model — focusing on values, discipline, and mindfulness — is at the heart of why the Royals have emerged as a breeding ground for next-gen stars.

In an environment of media pressure and public adulation, it’s easy to lose one’s way. But under the quiet guidance of veterans like Dravid and Rathour, Suryavanshi is learning more than cover drives — he’s learning humility, composure, and patience.

Fame, Fortune, and the 14-Year-Old Mind

Let’s not forget — he’s 14.

At an age when most kids worry about school exams and video game scores, Suryavanshi is navigating live press conferences, international attention, and commercial contracts. The cricketing world isn’t just watching — it’s dissecting every shot, every tweet, every gesture.

This is where Dhawan’s advice resonates most:

“It’s important to be a good human being first. The cricket will take care of itself.”

The former India opener’s emphasis on values and mentorship is a reminder that the greatest careers are not built on just talent — they’re built on character.

IPL 2026: A Different Beast Awaits

If IPL 2025 was Suryavanshi’s fairytale debut, IPL 2026 promises to be the test of his evolution.

Having taken bowlers by surprise last season, he won’t have the element of unpredictability anymore. Teams will come prepared. Bowlers will have data. Analysts will map out his weaknesses. Plans will be devised to test his technique and temperament.

This, Dhawan believes, is where the real growth begins.

“Now that everyone knows him, the challenge becomes tougher. Bowlers will bowl smarter. The pressure to perform again and again can be mentally exhausting,” he said.

Mental Health: The Unsung Element in Cricketing Success

In a sport where pressure builds in milliseconds and failure is public, Dhawan highlighted the importance of mental resilience.

“You can have all the shots in the book, but if your mind isn’t right, it doesn’t matter,” he stated. “Handling success is harder than handling failure sometimes.”

Suryavanshi, like every young star, will have to learn to lose, to be dropped, to be criticised — and still come back smiling. That’s what separates the good from the great.

Comparisons and Caution

Already, comparisons with Rishabh Pant and Suresh Raina are doing the rounds — both known for aggressive batting and early IPL impact.

But Dhawan warns against too many comparisons, too soon.

“Let the kid breathe. Let him enjoy his cricket. He doesn’t need to be the next anyone — he needs to be the first Vaibhav Suryavanshi,” he smiled.

Indeed, the obsession with anointing “the next big thing” often leads to premature scrutiny. Instead, as Dhawan advocates, the journey should be protected and guided, not sensationalised.

The Bigger Picture: A Blueprint for Indian Cricket

Vaibhav’s journey could also reshape how India identifies and nurtures talent.

Grassroots investment: His rise from Bihar — a state with minimal cricket infrastructure — highlights the need to scout beyond metros.
Mental training: His case makes a compelling argument for including sports psychologists and life coaches in youth academies.
Age management: With younger players entering elite cricket, the BCCI must also revisit workload regulation, education support, and media protection protocols.

A Glimpse Into the Future

As IPL 2026 approaches, all eyes will once again be on the left-hander who defied age and expectation. Whether he matches his heroics or hits a lean patch, what matters more is how he learns, adapts, and endures.

Because cricket — especially in India — isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon filled with dizzying highs and humbling lows. And in this marathon, Shikhar Dhawan has offered a roadmap paved with perspective.

Beyond the Bat

Vaibhav Suryavanshi is not just a prodigy — he’s a symbol of a new Indian dream. One where a teenager from a non-traditional state can light up global arenas. One where stardom arrives not after years of toil, but after 35 balls of brilliance.

But as Dhawan rightly pointed out — talent needs guidance, and stardom needs grounding.

If Vaibhav Suryavanshi continues to grow not just as a batter, but as a person, cricket might just witness the birth of not just a great player — but a legend in the making.

And at 14, he has time, talent, and the right advice on his side.

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