'500 missed calls, phone switched off for 4 days' - Vaibhav Suryavanshi on handling growing IPL fame

Rajasthan Royals' 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player to feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL), not only made history but also won hearts with his batting and grounded personality. Scoring 252 runs in just seven matches, including a century and a fifty, the opener witnessed a dream IPL debut.

Signed by the Royals for INR 1.10 crore, many questioned if the Southpaw was brought into the competition early. His consistent performances proved the critics wrong. Despite the team finishing ninth in the table, Suryavanshi ended the campaign with a match-winning 57 off 33 balls against Chennai Super Kings. Speaking to head coach Rahul Dravid after the game, the teenager reflected on handling the fame.

"After my century against GT, there were more than 500 missed calls, but I've switched off the phone. A lot of people approached me after the century, but I don't like that a lot. I kept my phone switched off for 2-4 days. I don't like having too many people around. Just my family and a few friends, that's enough," he said in a video posted by IPL.

I must stay focused and that natural game is nothing: Suryavanshi

Meanwhile, Dravid advised the youngster to stay grounded and told him to be ready, as the bowlers will come back hard at him next season.

“It was a really good season for you. Continue this way. Keep working hard and keep in mind, since you’ve done so well this season, all these opposition bowlers you see will get back. They are going to come better prepared, and so we must also work harder and prepare even better. You must continue improving, developing new skills. So, when next season we get back together, you are a better player," Dravid told Suryavanshi.

Being asked about his learnings from the tournament, Suryavanshi credited his pre-season training for the success and for quickly adapting at the highest level.

“It was a great season, sir. I practised under you, the coaching staff. We were preparing and practising for 3-4 months, and the results were visible. The difficult things were made easier because of the rigorous practice we had. I’ve learnt that I must stay focused and that natural game is nothing, I must adjust my game according to the team demands and make my side win. And at this level, I need not try too much extra and must back my strengths while aligning them with the team's needs," the southpaw added.