Former India head coach Rahul Dravid has described teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as “a really unique talent”, saying the 15-year-old’s remarkable rise is the result of both natural ability and relentless hard work.
Sooryavanshi has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in world cricket since bursting onto the scene in the IPL.
With the teenager expected to make his India debut on the upcoming tour of the United Kingdom, praise has poured in from across the cricketing world. Dravid, who worked closely with Sooryavanshi during his time as Rajasthan Royals head coach, believes the youngster possesses a rare combination of qualities that cannot be easily taught.
“I think it’s an incredible combination of ability to pick up a bowler’s speed and then cricket smarts, fearlessness. It’s a whole combination of things,” Dravid told BBC.
The former India captain added that there is no formula to produce a player like Sooryavanshi.
“I don’t think there’s a recipe for making a Sooryavanshi, I don’t think you can take any kid and say, do this, and he will become that good. There are certain things they are just gifted with.”
At the same time, Dravid stressed that Sooryavanshi’s success is not built on talent alone. Having coached him at Rajasthan Royals during the 2025 IPL season, when the youngster made his debut at just 14 years of age, Dravid said the teenager’s work ethic has played an equally important role.
“But he’s worked very hard as well, so it’s not just a gift. From a young age, he’s hit a lot of balls. I saw that at Rajasthan,” the former India captain and coach said.
Dravid also urged everyone around the youngster to be patient and ensure he receives the right guidance as his career progresses.
With Sooryavanshi only 15 years old, Dravid said it was important that he gets all the “support and help along the journey to be able to actually achieve that potential.”
“You need to protect someone like him, but it’s always going to be that fine line because sometimes you need to let somebody fly,” the Indian great concluded.