Will Rajasthan Royals' Young Sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi Play in IPL 2025?

Rajasthan Royals’ young acquisition, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, made headlines as the youngest player ever to be signed in an IPL auction. The 13-year-old prodigy from Bihar was secured by the Royals for an impressive sum of Rs 1.10 crore, marking a historic moment in the tournament’s history. However, questions linger over whether he will get the opportunity to feature in the upcoming season. As IPL 2025 approaches, Rajasthan Royals' batting coach Vikram Rathour has provided an update on the young star’s potential inclusion in the playing XI.

A Rising Star in the Making

Born on March 27, 2011, in Bihar, India, Suryavanshi has quickly become a name to watch in Indian cricket. A left-handed batsman with a knack for slow left-arm orthodox bowling, he has already achieved significant milestones at a young age. His breakthrough came when he smashed a sensational 58-ball century against Australia’s Under-19 team, showcasing his exceptional talent and maturity beyond his years.

Further proving his capabilities, he made his T20 debut for Bihar in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he demonstrated his readiness to compete at a higher level.

Will Vaibhav Suryavanshi Feature in RR’s Playing XI?

Suryavanshi’s performances have only intensified anticipation for his potential IPL debut. His 2024 campaign was particularly remarkable, with standout performances, including a stellar 71-run knock off just 42 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Baroda, making him the youngest Indian to score a List A fifty. On the international stage, he further impressed with a record-breaking century against Australia in Chennai, achieving the fastest youth Test hundred by an Indian. Additionally, he played a crucial role in India's ACC U19 Asia Cup campaign, contributing two vital half-centuries in their run to the final.

Despite his rapid rise, Rajasthan Royals’ batting coach Vikram Rathour has suggested that fans may need to be patient before seeing him in action in the IPL. While praising Suryavanshi’s extraordinary abilities, Rathour emphasized that the final call on his inclusion will depend on the team’s overall strategy and balance.

Rathour on His Reunion with Rahul Dravid

Vikram Rathour also spoke about reuniting with Rajasthan Royals' head coach Rahul Dravid. The duo previously worked together in the Indian cricket team setup, guiding the team to success across formats, including the coveted ICC Men's T20 World Cup title.

“There’s not much difference in working with him again. He’s a brilliant coach, and I truly enjoyed my time with him. When we were part of the Indian team, we were fortunate enough to win the World Cup. The IPL is a shorter format, but the core principles remain the same. Coaching here is about guiding the players, supporting the batters, and helping them deliver their best performances,” Rathour stated.

Rajasthan Royals' IPL 2025 Schedule

• March 23: Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Hyderabad) - 3:30 PM

• March 26: Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Guwahati) - 7:30 PM

• March 30: Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings (Guwahati) - 7:30 PM

• April 5: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings (Chandigarh) - 7:30 PM

• April 9: Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans (Ahmedabad) - 7:30 PM

• April 13: Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Jaipur) - 3:30 PM

• April 16: Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals (Delhi) - 7:30 PM

• April 19: Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants (Jaipur) - 7:30 PM

• April 24: Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Bengaluru) - 7:30 PM

• April 28: Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans (Jaipur) - 7:30 PM

• May 1: Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians (Jaipur) - 7:30 PM

• May 4: Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Kolkata) - 3:30 PM

• May 12: Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings (Chennai) - 7:30 PM

• May 16: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings (Jaipur) - 7:30 PM

Rajasthan Royals’ Full Squad for IPL 2025

Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Sandeep Sharma, Jofra Archer (Rs. 12.50 crore), Maheesh Theekshana (Rs. 4.4 crore), Wanindu Hasaranga (Rs. 5.25 crore), Akash Madhwal (Rs. 1.20 crore), Kumar Kartikeya (Rs. 30 lakh), Nitish Rana (Rs. 4.20 crore), Tushar Deshpande (Rs. 6.50 crore), Shubham Dubey (Rs. 80 lakh), Yudhvir Singh (Rs. 35 lakh), Fazalhaq Farooqi (Rs. 2 crore), Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rs. 1.10 crore), Kwena Maphaka (Rs. 1.50 crore), Kunal Rathore (Rs. 30 lakh), Ashok Sharma (Rs. 30 lakh).