Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the teenage sensation from Bihar, has etched his name in the annals of IPL history with a breathtaking century against Gujarat Titans in the 2025 season. At just 14 years old, he smashed the second-fastest ton ever recorded in the league, leaving fans and pundits in awe. His coach, Manish Ojha, shared exclusive insights with Indiabet on Vaibhav’s extraordinary knock, his aggressive mindset, and the journey that shaped this cricketing prodigy.
A Dream Knock That Stole the Show
“It was a moment of pure thrill and pride,” Ojha reminisced as he spoke about Vaibhav’s historic innings. “Watching him bat like a champion was a dream come true—not just for me but for his parents and every Bihari who watched him dominate on the big stage.”
Ojha revealed that he had advised Vaibhav to stay patient and play each ball on its merit ahead of the match. “He had a tendency to go for every delivery in his previous game, which disrupted his balance. I told him to trust his natural ability—his power to clear boundaries even when fielders are at the ropes.”
The coach also emphasized the importance of varied footwork, drawing parallels with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s technique. “I encouraged him to adopt different footwork styles to keep bowlers guessing. Playing late, like Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, was another key area we worked on.”
The Mindset of a Champion
Vaibhav’s aggressive mindset was evident from the moment he stepped onto the field. “He smashed his very first ball in the IPL for a six,” Ojha recalled with a smile. “During a match simulation, I once suggested he rotate the strike instead of going for big hits. His response? ‘If I can hit a six, why settle for a single?’ That’s his mindset—fearless and unrelenting.”
Ojha likened Vaibhav’s approach to that of his idol, Brian Lara. “He wants to dominate bowlers from the first ball, just like Lara. His ability to step out and loft the ball, his impeccable timing, and his power—these are qualities he’s honed since childhood.”
The Making of a Batting Prodigy
From a young age, Vaibhav’s passion for hitting big shots stood out. “I focused on developing his bat-lift, timing, and power generation,” Ojha explained. “We practiced every shot—cuts, pulls, drives—and I ensured his technique was perfect. Match simulations were crucial; he thrived under pressure, consistently meeting targets like scoring 120 runs in 20 overs.”
Speaking about his first impression of Vaibhav, Ojha said, “He was just 8-9 years old when he joined us. Even then, his timing and bat-swing were extraordinary. He had a natural flair for shot-making, and his ability to break field setups was exceptional.”
A Journey of Hard Work and Sacrifice
Vaibhav’s journey to the top hasn’t been without challenges. “He comes from a humble family,” Ojha shared. “His father stretched himself financially, taking loans to support his training and equipment. Vaibhav’s dedication matched his father’s sacrifices—he would practice for hours, facing 600 balls a day, including 200 throwdowns from me alone.”
Ojha also highlighted a memorable innings in an academy match that convinced him of Vaibhav’s potential. “He scored 118 against a team with Ranji Trophy and U23 bowlers. His shot selection and execution were next-level. That innings was a glimpse of what he’s capable of.”
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
With Rahul Dravid as his IPL coach, Vaibhav’s future looks promising. “Dravid’s guidance will be invaluable, especially in the longer format,” Ojha said. “Vaibhav is excelling in white-ball cricket, but with experience, he’ll adapt to Test cricket as well.”
Off the field, Vaibhav is described as polite and reserved. “He’s shy and doesn’t talk much, but his focus is solely on cricket,” Ojha added. “Our relationship revolves around the game, and that’s where he truly shines.”
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