Virender Sehwag advised Vaibhav Suryavanshi to stay humble, work hard like Virat Kohli, and not get carried away by early success if he wants a long IPL career.
Virender Sehwag has urged Rajasthan Royals’ young talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi to stay grounded and focus on building a long IPL career. Suryavanshi, just 14 years old, was bought for ₹1.1 crore at the IPL 2025 auction. He made history by becoming the youngest player to debut in the IPL, scoring 34 runs against Lucknow Super Giants and 16 runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, Rajasthan lost both matches and continue to struggle in the playoff race.
Sehwag stressed the importance of maintaining focus and not getting carried away by early fame. He pointed to Virat Kohli’s career, highlighting how the former India captain started young and has played all 18 IPL seasons. Sehwag warned that early success could fade quickly if players believe they have already achieved enough.
“If you step out knowing that you will get praised for doing well and criticised for not doing well, you will remain grounded. I have seen many players who come, get fame from one or two matches, then they do not do anything, because they think that they have become a star player,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.
“Suryavanshi must aim to play 20 years in the IPL. Look at Virat Kohli, he started playing when he was 19 years old, now he has played all 18 seasons. That is what he should be trying to emulate. But, if he is happy with this IPL, thinking that he is now a millionaire, had a great debut, hit a six off the first ball, maybe we won’t see him next year,” he added.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi stepped in for the injured Sanju Samson in Rajasthan Royals’ playing XI and impressed immediately. The 14-year-old smashed a six off his first ball against Shardul Thakur in the match against Lucknow Super Giants and showed glimpses of his talent against Royal Challengers Bengaluru as well. Rajasthan Royals will hope their young star continues to develop.
