Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson is betting on Vaibhav Suryavanshi to really make a name for himself in the IPL 2025. At just 13 years old, this kid from Bihar is about to be the youngest player ever in the world’s richest cricket league. The Royals picked up the left-handed batter for Rs 1.10 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Before the 18th IPL season kicks off, Samson, who took RR to the IPL final back in 2022, said Suryavanshi seems ready for the big leagues. Apparently, he’s already turned heads at the RR camp with his hitting power.
“Vaibhav seems pretty sure of himself. He was smashing sixes way out of the park at the academy. Folks are already talking about how hard he hits the ball. What more could you want? It’s all about knowing what he’s good at, backing him up, and being there for him like a big brother would,” Samson mentioned on Jio Hotstar.
“I reckon he’s ready to jump in and do his part. Keeping him in top form and making sure he’s relaxed is key, which is what Rajasthan Royals are known for. We try to keep the vibe in the locker room good and support our players. Who knows? He might just end up playing for India in a couple of years. I think he’s got what it takes for the IPL. Looks like he can pack a punch or two. We’ll see how it goes, he added.
Asked what advice he’d give a young talent like Vaibhav, Samson said, “These young guys today aren’t short on confidence. They’re pretty brave and understand the game and what needs to be done in Indian cricket now.
“Instead of jumping in with advice, I like to watch first. See how a young player wants to play, what he enjoys, and how I can support him. Then I go from there.
Before the IPL 2025 mega auction, the Royals didn’t keep Jos Buttler, the former England captain. Gujarat Titans grabbed him up instead. Samson says that letting go of Buttler, who is a good friend, was tough. If he could change one thing about the IPL, it’d be the rule about having to let players go.
“The IPL gives you a chance to lead and play at a high level, sure, but you also make some great friends. Jos Buttler is one of my best mates. We played together for seven years, had some great batting partnerships. We knew each other really well and stayed in touch. He was like an older brother to me.
“When I became captain, he was my vice-captain and helped me lead the team a lot. Letting him go was one of the hardest things for me. Even during the England series, I told him over dinner that I was still bummed about it. If I could change just one thing in the IPL, it’d be that rule about releasing players, he admitted.
