"He's fulfilling our dreams": Childhood coach overjoyed with 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi's stunning IPL debut

Samastipur (Bihar) [India], April 20 (ANI): Vaibhav Suryavanshi created history by becoming the youngest player to debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at just 14 years of age, and he made sure the occasion was one to remember. Representing Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their 2025 clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the teenager from Samastipur made an instant impact, smashing a six off his very first delivery and going on to play a fiery cameo of 34 off 20 balls, laced with two boundaries and three sixes.
Among the many proud onlookers was his childhood coach, Brajesh Jha, who couldn't hide his emotions after watching his student shine on the big stage.
"It is a matter of great pleasure that a little kid is making Samastipur and his name known," Jha told ANI.
"It is a matter of pride that the child you worked with for several years is now coming on TV and fulfilling your dream. He is fulfilling the dreams of the children of our district," he added.

Reflecting on the young batter's explosive start, Jha added, "It was very nice to see his batting, and from the very first ball, he was batting so well. It was unfortunate that he got out, but whatever was missing in this game will be corrected. I am sure he will do even better in the next match. We hope he scores well as soon as possible and brightens his name."
Asked about expectations for Suryavanshi's next outing, the coach exuded confidence, "Not only the next game, but he will score good runs throughout the tournament. The mistakes he made, he will learn from them and come back strongly -- 100% in the next match. He will perform even better than what he did today, I'm sure."
With the whole country watching a potential future star bloom, the ultimate dream remains clear for the coach.
"He has to play for the country. I have a dream that he should represent India. For me, the IPL or Under-19 is not bigger than the nation. The first dream of all children who play cricket should be to play for India. That feeling -- to play for the country -- would bring the greatest joy to Samastipur," he said. (ANI)