14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi made an impressive debut in IPL 2025, earning a spot in the history books as the youngest batsman in the league's history. The Rajasthan Royals signed him for Rs 1.10 crore in the mega auction. Suryavanshi's debut against Lucknow Super Giants was nothing short of spectacular, as he scored a quick 34 runs, leaving a lasting impression with his skill and composure.
However, it wasn’t just Vaibhav's batting that made headlines; his coach, Manish Ojha, became a subject of attention when he responded fiercely to criticism from Pakistani cricketer Junaid Khan.
Junaid Khan’s Criticism of Vaibhav Suryavanshi
After the IPL 2025 auction, Junaid Khan raised questions about Vaibhav's age and capabilities. He expressed doubt over how a 13-year-old could hit long sixes in such a competitive tournament. Khan’s comments stirred controversy, especially since Vaibhav’s inclusion in the IPL had been officially confirmed by the BCCI after a thorough medical examination and age verification.
Coach Manish Ojha’s Befitting Reply
Vaibhav’s coach, Manish Ojha, didn’t hold back when responding to Junaid Khan's remarks. In an interview with TV9, Ojha stated that Pakistani critics have a lot of “free time” to indulge in baseless comments. He emphasized that BCCI had conducted the necessary medical tests and verified Vaibhav’s age, making external opinions irrelevant.
Ojha also added, “There’s no league bigger than the IPL. Our young talent is playing at the highest level, and it’s something that Pakistanis can only dream of.” He further acknowledged that while Pakistan undoubtedly has talented cricketers, internal politics and systemic issues within the country’s cricketing setup prevent that talent from fully emerging.
Vaibhav’s Defiant Reply
Vaibhav himself responded with a memorable statement on his IPL debut—hitting a six on the very first ball he faced. This act, coupled with his solid performance, served as a direct answer to Junaid Khan’s skepticism.
With this gesture, both Vaibhav Suryavanshi and his coach have made it clear that they will not be deterred by baseless criticism and will continue to shine on the big stage.
