'Can’t coach someone with that mindset' - Rahul Dravid on teenage prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Published - 30 Oct 2025, 22:26 IST | Updated - 30 Oct 2025, 22:26 IST

Former Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid feels exceptional talents like Vaibhav Suryavanshi cannot be coached. The 14-year-old batter registered 252 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 206.5 in his debut IPL season.

Dravid underscored the crucial aspects of coaching that go into nurturing prodigies such as Suryavanshi. He said that ensuring Suryavanshi-like players get a firm foundation is the greatest assistance which can be provided.

“It’s not the skill. Skill he has. But it’s the mindset. You can’t really teach that mindset. You can’t coach someone with that mindset. You just got to manage it, own it. You certainly can’t curb it. As a coach, it’s not so much about instructing him but giving him the platform and the freedom to express himself," stated Dravid in an interaction with Breakfast with Champions.

Dravid, who recently parted ways with RR after just one season as head coach, remarked that creating certain challenging scenarios and seeing how Suryavanshi takes them in his stride would be the way to go.

“Creating certain set of difficulties in the nets, or creating different situations, which then allow him or feeding him stuff that he might not be strong at. And then allowing him to discover how he does it, finds his own unique way of doing it. That would be a good way to go about it. It’s a process of self-discovery. And don’t get in the process," he added.

Suryavanshi, who also came to the limelight after amassing a triple-century to his name (unbeaten 332 in the Randhir Verma Tournament), has shone for India Under-19 in their latest white-ball series against England Under-19 and Australia Under-19.

The youngster is currently representing Bihar in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy. He has been appointed as the vice-captain of the state outfit. Suryavanshi is anticipated to be one of the hottest prospects to feature in the 50-over Under-19 World Cup next year.