Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s fairytale rise in Indian cricket continues to win hearts across the nation. The 14-year-old prodigy, who recently became the youngest player in IPL history to score a century, has not only impressed fans and experts with his extraordinary talent but has also inspired a generation with his story of hard work, discipline, and humility. In the wake of his son’s phenomenal success, Sanjiv Suryavanshi—Vaibhav’s father—has publicly expressed gratitude to those who helped shape the teenager’s cricketing journey.
“I want to thank Rahul Dravid and the rest of the support staff for improving Vaibhav’s game. I also want to thank Bihar cricket chief Rakesh Tiwary for giving Vaibhav an opportunity at such a young age,” said Sanjiv, clearly emotional and proud of his son’s achievement. These words underline the vital roles played by mentorship and timely opportunity in nurturing raw talent into excellence.
Rahul Dravid, India’s head coach and a long-time advocate for grassroots development, has been instrumental in building India’s youth cricket structure. Known for his patient and methodical approach, Dravid has mentored many of India’s modern greats and now adds Vaibhav to that impressive list. His emphasis on basics, temperament, and game awareness has significantly contributed to Vaibhav’s evolution from a promising youngster to a confident IPL performer.
The support staff around Dravid, too, deserves credit. Coaches, physiotherapists, analysts, and mentors have helped the teenager prepare for the physical and mental demands of top-tier cricket. Sanjiv’s acknowledgment reflects a parent’s gratitude for a system that took his son seriously, despite his young age, and equipped him for success.
Equally crucial in Vaibhav’s journey has been the early faith shown by Bihar Cricket Association, led by Rakesh Tiwary. Bihar, a region not traditionally known for churning out cricketing stars, placed its belief in the abilities of a teenage boy who showed maturity beyond his years. Vaibhav was fast-tracked into state-level age-group competitions, where he made a mark immediately. His performances did not go unnoticed, and it was this foundation that enabled him to climb higher when the IPL franchises came calling.
The gratitude expressed by Sanjiv Suryavanshi is not just a father’s appreciation, but also a reminder of how a player’s journey to the top is never taken alone. Behind every young cricketer making headlines lies a network of silent contributors: parents who made sacrifices, coaches who believed early, associations that gave a platform, and national mentors who refined talent into brilliance.
Vaibhav’s story, while just beginning, is already rich in emotion and inspiration. His success is a case study in what can happen when talent meets trust. With continued guidance, humility, and a strong support system, he is poised to become a mainstay in Indian cricket.
For now, India celebrates a boy who has become a symbol of what is possible—and for his father, the joy lies not just in the runs scored, but in the journey taken and the hands that helped guide it.