Is IPL 2025 Going to Be Exciting Yet Challenging?

New Delhi, April 30 (NationPress) Vaibhav Suryavanshi has become a sensation in cricket circles following his remarkable achievement as the youngest player to score a century in the IPL. In just his third match, the talented left-handed opener launched an explosive hundred off merely 35 balls for the Rajasthan Royals against a formidable bowling attack from the Gujarat Titans, leaving fans and experts astonished.

The immense attention on Suryavanshi, who is just 14 years old, highlights the necessity for a careful and professional strategy within the Indian cricket framework to ensure his growth and potential as a future asset for the national team. There is a perspective that the latest wave of admiration should not distract those around him from the essential work required to foster his long-term success.

Rahul Dravid, the head coach of Rajasthan Royals, expressed that overseeing young Suryavanshi, now recognized as the youngest centurion in men's T20 cricket, encompasses both exhilarating and daunting challenges for Indian cricket, which has been a significant focus for him.

“What can we do for Vaibhav? I believe it will be challenging. Every question I've faced has revolved around him, indicating the pressures he’s under,” Dravid shared. “While it’s thrilling, it also presents challenges. Perhaps we should minimize the spotlight on him, though that might be unrealistic given the circumstances.”

“Ultimately, it’s about establishing a supportive framework around him to help him navigate these challenges effectively, as I’ve noticed all questions are directed toward Vaibhav,” he added in an interview with IANS during the Star Sports Press Room show.

The history of Indian cricket shows that young batsmen who have performed well early on can sometimes struggle later due to a lack of adequate mentorship and the right support network to guide them in their careers.

Dravid, with experience at various levels of cricket, including U19 and senior teams, understands the intricacies of nurturing young talent. He has witnessed players like Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and others transform from promising teenagers into key players for both the national team and their respective IPL franchises. Thus, Dravid’s insights on managing Suryavanshi are invaluable for the broader cricketing ecosystem.

As for IPL 2025, the Rajasthan Royals, currently in eighth place, must secure victories in their remaining four matches to maintain a slim hope of playoff qualification, one of which is against the Mumbai Indians at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Thursday.

This week has seen both RR and the Kolkata Knight Riders defeating higher-ranked teams like GT and Delhi Capitals, respectively. Dravid believes that focusing on one match at a time, rather than the playoff scenario, will benefit his team.

“We acknowledge our current position in the table due to a few narrow losses. Our priority is to take it game by game without looking too far ahead. The tournament is tightly contested, and even lower-ranked teams can triumph over the top teams,” he stated.

“A good run can change fortunes quickly, but we must avoid overanalyzing the situation. We recognize that with six points, we are lower on the table, and our focus should solely be on winning the next match,” he concluded.

Don’t miss the Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians match at 7:30 PM on May 01 in the race for IPL 2025 playoffs, live and exclusive on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network.