“Pehla hi Udda Denge” – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Audacious Promise to Dravid and Samson Before IPL Debut
Lisbon, Portugal – March 15, 2026 – The Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to unearth remarkable talent, and few stories are as captivating as that of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The young batting prodigy, already making waves in the world of cricket, recently revealed a bold declaration he made to Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson and head coach Rahul Dravid on the eve of his IPL debut. At just 14 years old, Sooryavanshi entered the IPL with a fearless attitude, a characteristic that clearly impressed those around him. His story is one of precocious talent, unwavering confidence, and a willingness to embrace the big stage, and it’s quickly capturing the attention of fans worldwide.
Sooryavanshi’s ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. He burst onto the scene in 2024, debuting in the Ranji Trophy for Bihar at the remarkably young age of 12, becoming the second-youngest player to do so for the state, according to his IPLT20 profile. His elegant strokeplay and aggressive batting style quickly marked him as a player to watch. This talent translated to the international youth stage, where he set a record with a blistering 58-ball century against Australia U-19s, the fastest by an Indian in youth Tests. This rapid progression culminated in an IPL contract with the Rajasthan Royals, making him the youngest player ever to be signed by a franchise.
A Conversation Before the Storm
The conversation between Sooryavanshi, Samson, and Dravid took place just hours before his debut against the Lucknow Super Giants. Dravid, understandably, was concerned about the pressure a 14-year-old might face stepping into the high-stakes environment of the IPL. He and Samson sought to gauge the young player’s mindset and prepare him for the challenges ahead. What they received, however, was a response that surprised and delighted them both.
During the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Naman Awards 2026, Sooryavanshi recounted the exchange. “On the eve of the match, Sanju bhaiya and Dravid sir called me. They asked me, ‘What’s your plan?’ I told them, If I receive the ball in my area, I’ll smash it,” he said, as reported by multiple sources including Firstpost. This simple statement, delivered with unwavering conviction, hinted at the fearless approach that would soon become his trademark.
Samson, recalling the moment, added a humorous detail. He interjected during the retelling, mimicking Sooryavanshi’s youthful confidence. “He wanted to whack the ball for a six if it was in his zone. And that’s exactly what happened,” Samson explained. Dravid, initially concerned, was left astonished by the young player’s self-assurance. He invited Sooryavanshi to his room to further discuss his approach, seeking to understand the source of such unwavering belief. “Dravid, sir, invited him to his room. He told me, ‘Sanju, we have to talk to him; he’s a very young kid. We have to advise him how to go about it.’ So Rahul sir asked, ‘Vaibhav, what is the plan?’ He replied, ‘Koi plan nahin hai, sir; hum toh khelenge.’ He asked again, ‘What is your game plan?’ He replied, ‘Agar humme pehla milla toh hum pehla hi udda denge.’ That’s exactly what he did, actually. We thought, it’s like he’s playing a video game,” Samson recounted, as reported by InsideSport.
From U-19 World Cup Triumph to IPL Ambitions
Sooryavanshi’s confidence isn’t unfounded. He recently starred in India’s U-19 World Cup triumph, culminating in a breathtaking 175 runs off 80 balls in the final against England in Harare. This performance propelled India to a record-extending sixth U-19 World Cup title, solidifying Sooryavanshi’s reputation as a rising star. Prior to the World Cup, he had already demonstrated his destructive potential with a 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans in just his third IPL appearance last year, finishing the season with 252 runs in seven outings at a remarkable strike rate of 206.56, as noted by The Indian Express.
The young batter’s success isn’t limited to the IPL and U-19 cricket. He has consistently impressed during tours of England and South Africa, and in the Asia Cup in the UAE, showcasing his adaptability and consistency across different conditions. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with his aggressive batting style, makes him a valuable asset to any team.
A Focus on Team Success
Despite his individual achievements, Sooryavanshi remains focused on team success. He has openly stated his ambition to win the IPL trophy for the Rajasthan Royals, a goal he believes is within reach. “The goal this IPL season is to win the trophy for the team, as This proves a very important thing. I want to do well, and my performance will support the whole team. This is my goal – to contribute to RR’s wins and win the trophy for the franchise,” Sooryavanshi told broadcasters Star Sports, as reported by The Indian Express. This dedication to the team, coupled with his exceptional talent, makes him a player to watch in the upcoming IPL season.
The IPL 2026 season is set to begin on March 28th, and all eyes will be on Sooryavanshi as he looks to translate his U-19 success into the professional league. His fearless approach, as evidenced by his conversation with Dravid and Samson, suggests he is more than ready for the challenge. The Rajasthan Royals, who haven’t won an IPL title since their inaugural season, will be hoping that Sooryavanshi can be the catalyst for a long-awaited championship run.
As Sooryavanshi prepares for the challenges ahead, his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers around the world. His unwavering confidence, combined with his exceptional talent, demonstrates that age is no barrier to success. The young star’s journey is just beginning, and the world will be watching with anticipation to see what he accomplishes next.
The Rajasthan Royals will face the Delhi Capitals in their opening match of the IPL 2026 season. Fans eager to follow Sooryavanshi’s progress can locate the full IPL schedule and team information on the official IPLT20 website: https://www.iplt20.com/. What are your thoughts on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s potential? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow cricket enthusiasts!