‘If We Get the First One, We’ll Hit It Away’: Sanju Samson Reveals Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Cheeky Chat with Rahul Dravid Before IPL Debut

A light-hearted yet inspiring moment from the world of cricket recently captured attention when Sanju Samson recalled a memorable interaction between teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and legendary coach Rahul Dravid.

The story, shared during the prestigious BCCI Naman Awards 2026, highlighted the fearless confidence of the young batter just before his explosive debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The anecdote quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the evening.

Stage Shared with Cricket Stars

During the awards ceremony, Samson was joined on stage by Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya and rising batter Abhishek Sharma. Also present was the 14-year-old sensation Sooryavanshi, who had already made headlines as one of the youngest players to enter the IPL in the 2025 season.

As the discussion turned to the teenager’s debut, Samson entertained the audience by recreating the young batter’s response to Dravid’s question about his game plan before the match.

‘We Will Just Play’: The Fearless Reply

Recalling the moment, Samson said that Dravid—known for his calm and analytical approach—had asked the young player about his strategy before his first IPL match with Rajasthan Royals.

“Vaibhav, what’s the plan?” Dravid had asked.

According to Samson, the teenager responded with remarkable composure: he had no elaborate strategy and simply intended to play naturally. If the first ball came in his hitting zone, he would go for it. Samson’s playful imitation of the moment had both Dravid and the audience laughing, while also reflecting the fearless mindset of the young cricketer.

Explosive IPL Debut Impresses Fans

Sooryavanshi’s words quickly turned into action when he made his IPL debut in 2025 against Lucknow Super Giants. The Rajasthan Royals had invested heavily in the youngster, signing him for ₹1.10 crore during the mega auction.

He announced his arrival in style by smashing the very first ball he faced—bowled by pacer Shardul Thakur—for a towering six over the covers.

Later in the season, the teenager further cemented his reputation by scoring a blistering 101 runs off just 38 balls against Gujarat Titans at the iconic Sawai Mansingh Stadium. The innings marked him as one of the most exciting young talents in the league.

‘Like Playing a Video Game’: Samson’s Praise

Praising the youngster’s fearless approach, Samson compared Sooryavanshi’s batting mindset to playing a video game—completely in control, focused, and unafraid of taking risks.

According to Samson, the teenager’s confidence and natural instinct allow him to enjoy the game without pressure, a quality that is rare for someone so young.

Success Continues at Under-19 Level

The Bihar-born prodigy has continued to shine beyond the IPL stage. His performances played a crucial role in India’s triumph at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026, where he emerged as one of the key contributors to the team’s title victory.

With his fearless attitude, explosive batting style, and remarkable composure at such a young age, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is rapidly becoming one of the brightest prospects in Indian cricket.