In what has become one of the most heartwarming moments of this IPL season, 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi received high praise from none other than MS Dhoni. Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder revealed that after their recent match in Guwahati, Dhoni had a special interaction with the young prodigy that left everyone in the camp beaming with pride.
“Vaibhav Suryavanshi met MS Dhoni the last game we played in Guwahati,” Bhinder said. “MS Dhoni praised him a lot. He said, ‘Ok, you got the baby in your team. The baby is showing the great shots like a mature player.’” The light-hearted yet deeply respectful comment by Dhoni has now gone viral, as cricket fans marvel at the acknowledgment from one of India’s greatest cricketers.
For a teenager still in the early years of his cricket journey, receiving such recognition from a legend like Dhoni is nothing short of a dream. Known for his calm demeanor, sharp cricketing acumen, and eye for talent, Dhoni has always admired young players who show poise under pressure. Vaibhav’s performance — particularly his blistering 35-ball century earlier in the tournament — has clearly caught Dhoni’s attention.
It wasn’t just the shots Vaibhav played that impressed Dhoni, but the maturity and intent behind them. Despite his age, Vaibhav has displayed remarkable composure, excellent shot selection, and the ability to read the game — traits usually associated with far more seasoned players. In the game Dhoni referenced, the teenager walked in during a tricky phase and turned the momentum with fearless yet calculated hitting. His timing, footwork, and confidence defied his age, prompting Dhoni to affectionately call him “the baby” of the team — a nickname that may now stick.
The interaction in Guwahati was more than just a photo-op or a casual greeting. For Vaibhav, meeting MS Dhoni was a milestone in itself. Growing up in Bihar, Vaibhav had idolized Dhoni, just like millions of other youngsters in India. Now, to stand in the same stadium, in the same league, and to hear words of encouragement from the man himself, was a surreal and motivating moment.
Team manager Romi Bhinder said the dressing room was buzzing with excitement after the encounter. “Dhoni’s words meant a lot to Vaibhav and to all of us. It’s not every day a legend singles out a youngster like that,” he said. Bhinder also added that Dhoni’s appreciation was genuine and heartfelt — he watched the youngster’s batting closely and was clearly impressed.
With such endorsements and consistent performances, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s stock continues to rise. But what’s perhaps most encouraging is the humility with which he’s carrying the sudden fame. Surrounded by mentors, a grounded family, and now admired by cricketing greats, Vaibhav is being groomed with care.
As the IPL season continues, all eyes will be on the “baby” Dhoni spoke of — not just for his incredible shots, but for how he handles the journey ahead. If this is only the beginning, Indian cricket fans have every reason to be excited.