Sunil Gavaskar blocks Vaibhav Suryavanshi's promotion

Former Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar made a huge statement on 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi despite his impressive performance in the IPL 2025 season. Gavaskar said that it was important not to praise the Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener too much, adding that he should be allowed to play his natural game.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi grabbed the attention with his sensational century against the Gujarat Titans (GT) at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The 14-year-old scored a century in just 35 balls – the fastest Indian to reach the milestone in IPL history. He smashed 101 runs off 38 balls, with the help of 7 fours and 11 sixes.

We Shouldn't Praise the Skies - Sunil Gavaskar

However, Sunil Gavaskar said that Vaibhav Suryavanshi had already showcased his talent before the auction. Gavaskar stated that the young batter will continue to improve, especially under the guidance of Rahul Dravid.

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"Not at all, not at all. I mean, look - when he entered the auction, he had already scored a hundred against Australia in a youth Test, and that was against a pretty good attack. For a 13-year-old to score a hundred against an international team, albeit not their top side, still shows the lad had talent. And he has just gone on and on from there," Gavaskar told JioStar.

"I think he's going to develop his game even more. Sitting with Rahul Dravid, he will learn how to temper his innings - he is only going to get better and better. I do believe that he is someone we shouldn't praise to the skies," he added.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi Could Start to Worry and Overthink Things - Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar raised concerns that the young batter might feel pressured to replicate such performances in every match. He added that bowlers might target him and force him into mistakes. Gavaskar said that this early success should not become a burden for Suryavanshi.

"And in this case, we just get the feeling, even in his very first game, with the first ball he faced, he hit it for six. Now, that should not become something he feels he must live up to every time. Experienced bowlers will think, 'Ah, he wants to hit the first ball for six?' They will bowl it short, and then he might get out. Then, he could start to worry and overthink things," Gavaskar added.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi Falls for Two-Ball Duck After Gavaskar’s Warning

Rajasthan Royals bought Vaibhav Suryavanshi for ₹1.1 crores at the auction, and he got his chance to open the batting following an injury to captain Sanju Samson. Suryavanshi showed his talent in his first two matches and earned widespread praise from the cricketing world following his maiden IPL century.

Sunil Gavaskar’s remarks proved right as Vaibhav was dismissed for a two-ball duck in the Rajasthan Royals’ clash against the Mumbai Indians in Jaipur. The 14-year-old attempted an aggressive shot off a fuller delivery from Deepak Chahar but was caught at mid-on. His early dismissal triggered a batting collapse for RR.

Chasing a target of 218, the team was bowled out for just 117 runs in 16.1 overs. This loss ended their hopes of making the IPL 2025 playoffs.

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