![Rahul Dravid on Vaibhav Suryavanshi [Source: @kumr_ramesh25/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1761834196321_Rahul_Dravid_Vaibhav_Suryavanshi_RR.jpg?type=hq)
Rahul Dravid on Vaibhav Suryavanshi [Source: @kumr_ramesh25/X.com]
India’s teenage sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, is redefining what it means to be a cricket prodigy. His coach in the Rajasthan Royals, Rahul Dravid, has shared his thoughts on the youngster’s extraordinary mindset.
At just 14, the Bihar-born talent has already made history by becoming the youngest centurion in IPL history, smashing the second-fastest hundred in the league.
As he continues to make a mark and rise through the ranks, Dravid has shared his opinion on what he makes of Suryavanshi’s talent.
Rahul Dravid insists on passing on a strong mindset to Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Speaking on the Breakfast with Champions show, RR’s ex-coach Rahul Dravid was full of admiration for the young batter’s fearless attitude.
He highlighted one particular moment that stood out for him, which was Vaibhav’s very first ball in the IPL, where he launched a six off India pacer Shardul Thakur.
“To someone like that, you are actually, the thing you’re trying to tell him is to just explore the edges of your talent. It is incredible. But I think the gift of mindset, that freedom…first ball in the IPL, to be able to hit Shardul Thakur for a six. I mean, Shardul Thakur is an international bowler, a terrific bowler,” Dravid said.
The former India coach went on to explain why players like Vaibhav are so rare. They need not be taught the skill but the mindset.
“It’s not the skill. Skill he has. But it’s the mindset. You can’t really teach that mindset. You can’t coach someone with that mindset. You just got to manage it, own it. You certainly can’t curb it. As a coach, it’s not so much about instructing him but giving him the platform and the freedom to express himself," he added.
Dravid explained that the best approach with such prodigies is to let them find their own rhythm.
“Creating certain set of difficulties in the nets, or creating different situations, which then allow him. Or feeding him stuff that he might not be strong at. And then allowing him to discover how he does it, finds his own unique way of doing it. That would be a good way to go about it. It’s a process of self-discovery. And don’t get in the process."
Rahul Dravid parts ways with RR
Meanwhile, Rahul Dravid has parted ways with the Rajasthan Royals after just one season as head coach. The franchise confirmed that Dravid was offered a broader role following a structural review but chose not to accept it.
His decision to leave comes after the Rajasthan Royals finished ninth in IPL 2025, their worst position since 2021. Dravid, who had played for and coached the Royals before, was heavily involved in the crafting of auction and retention strategies.
Now, with Dravid leaving and Sanju Samson reportedly wanting to part ways with the Royals, they are facing a substantial overhaul for IPL 2026.
