Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s childhood coach Manish Ojha calls his ward “God’s child” and credits fate and divine guidance for bringing the youngster to his academy.“A few years ago, I gave thanks. WebHer father (Sanjeev Suryavanshi) to bring the child to me. Spey is the hand of God (he is a child of God). It was because of him that I got recognition, otherwise who gives two cents about a cricket coach in Bihar?”, an emotional Manish tells Times of India.com when the 15-year-old got his first India call-up for the Ireland-England series. “Sub Bhagavan ki karpa hai (God’s grace.) The kid is extremely talented and has worked hard. Credit goes to his father as well,” he says.Riding on a sensational IPL 2026 campaign, the 15-year-old from Bihar will now wear the blue jersey.“When we talk about Bihar, we always talk about our past, the Maurya Empire, the Gupta Empire, Buddhism, Jainism, Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran Yatra or the JP Movement. In modern times, it has often been in the news because of all the infamous things. This young man is not only hitting sixes but also bringing out the samsmag associated with it. Sachin Tendulkar calling it ‘really special’ or Virat Kohli with Vibhu.” Said, ‘One spring, full, then game over.“What Vaibhav has achieved in the last few months is extraordinary,” says Ojha.Suryavanshi scored 776 runs in 16 innings at a strike rate of 237.30. He also hit a record-breaking 72 sixes in a season, missing out on the fastest century. IPL History
Vibhu Suryavanshi won the Orange Cap in IPL 2026. (BCCI/IPL photo)
“He is a big match player. We have seen that in the IPL playoffs. In the final of the U-19 World Cup, he once again played a brilliant innings. It is an excellent call by the selectors. And this is just the beginning. He will achieve much more,” says Ojha.Ojha says his ward is a “quick learner”. According to him, preparation before every game helps Suryavanshi to play his aggressive brand of cricket and take on the best bowlers without any fear.“He prepares in his own way. It’s not like he sits with video analysts, he does his homework,” says Ojha.Due to this sincere approach and unflappable temperament, the selectors named the explosive Suryavanshi in the squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England.
File photo of Vaibhu Suryavanshi. (AP)
Not only has Suryavanshi caught the attention of greats like Tendulkar and Kohli, India’s Test and ODI captain Shibman Gill has also been vocal in praising the youngster. In an almost single-handed effort, Suryavanshi almost dragged Rajasthan Royals to the final of IPL 2026. In the eliminator, he scored 97 off 29 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad and then followed that up with 96 off 47 balls against Gill’s Gujarat Titans.“I think he’s had a fantastic season. I haven’t seen anyone bat the way he bats and in this format, he’s probably one of the best batsmen in the world right now,” Gill said after Qualifier 2 in Molanpore.“His batting, not just his hitting, but his biomechanics and hand speed is remarkable. He didn’t get off to a flyer in Qualifier 2, but the way he managed to get back into the game and keep putting us under pressure tells you about his mentality. I think in the years to come, he’s going to have a tough time against the opposition he plays against,” Gill had said.
Vibhu Suryavanshi (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)
But with all accolades comes responsibility and scrutiny. Questions have already been raised about whether he can succeed in Test cricket. Even his father has set lofty goals for his son.“Jab tak test na khel, kya bada cricketer (Until he plays Tests, I won’t consider him a big cricketer),” Sanjeev told the website after Suryavanshi’s heroics in the U-19 World Cup.For now, though, the focus is on the next leg of the journey, which is moving at a breakneck pace. From a small town in Bihar to IPL superstardom and now an Indian call-up at just 15, Suryavanshi has already shattered expectations. The challenge ahead will be to turn modest promise into lasting greatness, but if his coach is to be believed, this is the start of a much bigger story.
