The opening weekend of IPL 2025 is already buzzing with headlines, and not just because of the OG Derby between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The tournament witnessed a historic moment with 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi officially registered as the youngest-ever player to be part of an IPL squad, igniting excitement across the cricketing world.
While Vaibhav’s inclusion marks a record-breaking milestone, all eyes are also on young powerhouses expected to shine this season—Abhishek Sharma and Rachin Ravindra—who received high praise from New Zealand legend Kane Williamson ahead of the tournament.
Key Highlights:
Kane Williamson Backs Rising Stars Abhishek and Rachin
Speaking to ANI as part of his role as a JioStar IPL 2025 expert, Kane Williamson predicted big performances from two exciting talents—Rachin Ravindra of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Abhishek Sharma of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
“He (Rachin) is a fast learner and such a gifted player. I would never bet against him,” said Kane, highlighting the Kiwi batter’s rapid rise in global cricket.
After a breakout 2023 World Cup, where he scored 578 runs with three centuries, Rachin continued his dominant form in the Champions Trophy, earning both the Golden Bat and Player of the Tournament. He was re-signed by CSK for ₹4 crore after a solid 2024 IPL season.
Abhishek Sharma: The ‘Travishek’ Factor Returns
Kane also pointed to Abhishek Sharma’s transformation from domestic power-hitter to international threat, stating:
“Last year was incredible for Abhishek, and doing the same at international level—especially against England—was amazing. He’ll be very confident this season.”
The 23-year-old, known for his aggressive partnerships with Travis Head (fondly dubbed “Travishek”), scored 484 runs at a strike rate above 204 in IPL 2024. His brutal 135-run T20I knock against England this year further cemented his place as one of India’s top white-ball prospects.
Across his last 22 innings (including domestic games), Abhishek has scored 1,087 runs, including three centuries and six fifties, showcasing remarkable consistency and power.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi: A Record-Breaking Journey Begins
Amidst these rising stars, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 13-year-old player in IPL 2025, has stunned fans and experts alike. Though not expected to feature immediately in playing elevens, his inclusion represents a massive leap of faith by the franchise, signaling the growing interest in nurturing next-gen talent early on.
His presence in the IPL setup at such a young age is being celebrated as a landmark moment in Indian cricket history.
The Bigger Picture: IPL’s Youth Revolution
As IPL 2025 kicks off, the buzz isn’t just about big-ticket matches or title chases—it’s about the youth movement shaping the future of Indian and world cricket. Between seasoned stars like Williamson and electrifying youngsters like Abhishek, Rachin, and now Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the tournament is laying the foundation for a new era.
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