Jaipur: Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has opened up about his mixed emotions during the IPL 2025 auction, revealing that he was initially disappointed despite becoming the youngest-ever player to be picked in the tournament’s history. The prodigy, who was bought by the Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.1 crore at just 13 years of age, questioned why only two franchises showed interest in him.
At the auction, Rajasthan Royals outbid the Delhi Capitals to secure the youngster. While the moment was widely celebrated as historic, Sooryavanshi admitted that his first reaction was not entirely joyful.
Early doubts despite record-breaking auction
Speaking in a video shared by Rajasthan Royals, Sooryavanshi said he had expected more teams to bid for him given his performances in trials.
“Honestly, when I was picked, I thought, ‘Why did only two teams bid for me? I play well, I performed well in the trials, other teams should’ve also bid,’” he said.
The remark highlights the confidence the youngster had in his abilities even at such a tender age. For many players, simply being picked in the IPL is a dream come true, but Sooryavanshi’s reaction underlined his ambition to be recognised widely across franchises.
Finding a home at Rajasthan Royals
However, the initial disappointment quickly gave way to gratitude as the young cricketer settled into the Royals’ setup. Now 15, Sooryavanshi describes the franchise environment as family-like and credits it for his rapid growth.
“But now that I’ve been with the team for one-and-a-half years, I’ve thanked God at least a thousand times for bringing me to a team like Rajasthan Royals,” he said.
He elaborated on the supportive atmosphere within the franchise, highlighting the role of coaches, support staff, senior players, and even the media team in making him feel at ease.
“The coaches, support staff, players, management team, media team, physios, trainers — they all feel like a family here. It feels like you’re at home. You can share anything and speak freely,” he added.
Sooryavanshi also acknowledged the mentorship he has received from senior players, noting that their guidance has been instrumental in shaping his game and mindset.
Dream debut and rapid rise
Sooryavanshi’s journey from a record-breaking auction pick to a match-winning performer has been nothing short of extraordinary. At just 14, he made his IPL debut in 2025 and announced his arrival in style by smashing a six off the very first ball he faced.
His fearless approach and natural strokeplay quickly caught the attention of fans and experts alike. In only his third match, he produced a sensational 35-ball century, becoming one of the youngest players to achieve such a feat in franchise cricket.
Dominating IPL 2026
If IPL 2025 was about promise, IPL 2026 has been about dominance. Sooryavanshi has emerged as one of the standout performers of the season, delivering consistent match-winning contributions.
He amassed a staggering 776 runs in just 16 matches, maintaining an extraordinary strike rate of 237. His aggressive batting at the top of the order has redefined expectations from young players in the league.
His remarkable season earned him the prestigious Orange Cap, awarded to the tournament’s highest run-scorer, as well as the ‘Most Valuable Player’ (MVP) award — a testament to his all-round impact.
A lesson in belief and growth
Sooryavanshi’s journey reflects the importance of patience and the right environment in nurturing young talent. What began as a moment of self-doubt during the auction has transformed into a story of success, resilience, and gratitude.
His initial question — why only two teams bid for him — now seems almost symbolic of the underestimation he has since overcome. By proving his worth on the field, he has not only justified Rajasthan Royals’ faith but also established himself as one of the brightest young stars in world cricket.
Conclusion
From questioning limited interest at the auction to becoming the most dominant batter in IPL 2026, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s rise has been meteoric. Backed by the nurturing environment of the Rajasthan Royals, the teenager has turned early doubts into extraordinary achievements. If his current trajectory is any indication, Indian cricket may have found its next long-term superstar.
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