Former India opener Virender Sehwag has issued a timely reminder to Rajasthan Royals (RR) youngster Vaibhav Suryavanshi to remain grounded and focused on the long journey ahead after his explosive start to the IPL 2025 season.

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The teenage sensation made an eye-catching debut against Rishab Pant-led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) scoring brilliant 34 runs off 20 balls. In his second game he added 16 runs off 12 deliveries against RCB showing glimpses of his potential. However RR narrowly lost their last match to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 11 runs despite being in control till the 18th over.

Speaking on Cricbuzz Sehwag cautioned the young talent not to let early fame affect his focus.

“If you step out knowing that you will get praised for doing well and criticised for not doing well, you will remain grounded. I have seen many players who come, get fame from one or two matches, then they do not do anything, because they think that they have become a star player.”

Sehwag further advised Suryavanshi to look at the example of Virat Kohli who has been a pillar of consistency in the IPL since his teenage years.

“Suryavanshi must aim to play 20 years in the IPL. Look at Virat Kohli, he started playing when he was 19 years old, now he has played all 18 seasons. That is what he should be trying to emulate.”

Sehwag warned that short-term satisfaction could cut short a promising career.

“If he is happy with this IPL, thinking that he is now a crorepati, had a great debut, hit a six off the first ball, maybe we won't see him next year.”

Rajasthan Royals are currently on a five-match losing streak and sit eighth on the IPL 2025 points table. They will next face Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Monday, April 28.