Former Indian cricket coach Rahul Dravid has voiced his perspective on the career trajectory of promising young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. At just 15 years old, Sooryavanshi is navigating both the explosive world of white-ball cricket, exemplified by a successful IPL season and T20I debut, and the more traditional demands of red-ball cricket. Dravid underscores the critical need for a thoughtfully constructed development plan that ensures the teenager gains ample experience in longer formats, not just the shorter ones where he has already garnered significant attention.
Sooryavanshi's ascent in the cricket world has been remarkable, marked by a breakout performance in the Indian Premier League and his first appearance in Twenty20 Internationals. His return to multi-day cricket, specifically with East Zone in the Duleep Trophy, signals a pivotal moment in his young career. Despite his prowess in limited-overs games, his statistics in first-class cricket remain modest, having averaged 17.25 across twelve innings in the Ranji Trophy Plate League, often interspersed with his commitments to the India U19 squad.
Dravid, who mentored Sooryavanshi during their time together at the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, sees the youngster's engagement in both cricket formats as a positive step. He articulated the importance of striking a balance, allowing Vaibhav to thrive in the high-profile IPL while simultaneously cultivating his skills in red-ball cricket within the domestic Indian system. This dual exposure, Dravid believes, is crucial for comprehensive player development.
The former Indian batsman also stressed a broader concern for the longevity and growth of Test cricket, arguing that players like Sooryavanshi, who possess the potential to excel across all formats, are essential for its survival. He advocates for sustained immersion in red-ball cricket for Sooryavanshi, particularly given his comparatively lesser exposure to it compared to white-ball matches. Dravid insists that the Duleep Trophy will be instrumental in providing the necessary experience for the teenager.
With his rapid rise inevitably bringing high expectations, Dravid appealed for patience and understanding from all stakeholders. He emphasized that Sooryavanshi, despite his early successes, is still very young and will undoubtedly face challenges and fluctuations in his performance. Allowing him the necessary time to mature and develop, rather than solely focusing on immediate results, is paramount for his long-term success in the sport.
