Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old cricket sensation, has taken the cricketing world by storm, triggering a flood of endorsement offers. However, Rahul Dravid, the head coach of Rajasthan Royals (RR), is reportedly playing a crucial role in ensuring the young talent remains grounded, seemingly to avoid a fate similar to that of Prithvi Shaw, whose early success was followed by a career plagued with inconsistency and off-field issues.

Suryavanshi's journey to stardom began at the IPL auction last year, where RR secured him for ₹1.10 crore, making him the youngest player ever to be picked in the history of the IPL auction. Even before turning 14, he had already become the youngest international centurion, scoring a century in a Youth Test match between India U-19 and Australia U-19. His impressive trial performance for RR, where he smashed three sixes in an over, solidified the franchise's interest in him.

During IPL 2025, Suryavanshi truly exploded onto the scene, smashing a 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans, becoming the youngest IPL centurion and the fastest Indian to reach the milestone. His explosive batting and fearless approach quickly made him a household name, with fans and experts alike showering him with praise.

However, with fame and success come distractions, and that's where Rahul Dravid steps in. Aware of the potential pitfalls that can derail a young cricketer's career, Dravid is keen to provide Suryavanshi with the right guidance and support. According to Suryavanshi's father, Sanjeev, Dravid has assured him that the franchise would mould, shape, and discipline his son with the idea of making him play for India. Dravid himself has acknowledged the challenges of managing the young talent amidst the hype, emphasizing the need for a strong support system.

Ravi Shastri revealed that Dravid is "keeping him on ground". Dravid seems to be ensuring that Suryavanshi remains focused on his game and doesn't get carried away by the attention. This includes monitoring his fitness, as Suryavanshi's father revealed that the youngster gained weight after his IPL success and has been told to reduce it. Dravid is also likely to be guiding him on how to handle the media and endorsement opportunities, ensuring that they don't become a distraction.

The focus on Suryavanshi's development extends beyond the cricket field. Dravid understands the importance of a strong support system, and has reportedly spoken to Suryavanshi's parents and the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) president, urging them to heed his advice regarding the youngster's development. Dravid is trying to create a "safety net" around Suryavanshi, ensuring that he has the right people guiding him and protecting him from potential pitfalls.

While acknowledging Suryavanshi's talent, Dravid is keen to temper expectations and ensure that he doesn't face undue pressure. He recognizes that Suryavanshi is still very young and has a long way to go, emphasizing the importance of patience and a focus on continuous improvement. Dravid has also credited Suryavanshi for his success, downplaying his own role and highlighting the youngster's talent and dedication.