IPL founder Lalit Modi on 14-year-old Vaibhav’s debut

In the 36th match of the IPL 2025, Avesh Khan delivered a superb performance as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) handed Rajasthan Royals (RR) a narrow two-run defeat in a thrilling last-ball encounter at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. This brings RR’s fourth consecutive defeat in IPL 2025, adding to their frustration with another close loss following a Super Over defeat against Delhi Capitals.

After the loss, fugitive businessman and Indian Premier League (IPL) founder Lalit Modi reacted and praised the 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who made his debut in the match.

Lalit Modi’s reaction on Viabhav Suryavanshi

Talking about the young batter Vaibhav, Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi tweeted, “What an amazing big thing to see a 14-year-old kid makes it into the playing squad of an IPL team Rajasthan Royals. Congratulations to him and to the #rajasthanroyals management for encouraging young talent. This is what I created #indianpremierleague way back in 2007 where we insisted on an under 18 player to be on the bench. So it’s heartening to see a 14-year-old make it into the playing squad.”

Lalit Modi humorously commented on RR’s struggles as well, “Something wrong with Rajasthan Royals this season in the IPL. They would be prime for a Chokers trophy if we had one.” he said.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s promising debut

Despite RR’s loss, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi made a debut to not forget. He was bought for Rs 1.1 crore at the IPL mega auction and showed why he was worth it. Suryavanshi hit 34 off 20 balls, starting his IPL career with a first-ball six against Shardul Thakur. Despite being stumped by Rishabh Pant off Aiden Markram’s ball, his performance has left a lasting impression.

Talking about the match, Yashasvi Jaiswal impressed with 74 off 52 balls, but Avesh Khan’s 3/37 sealed the win for LSG. Earlier, Aiden Markram scored 66 off 45, and Ayush Badoni added 50 off 34 to set a target of 180/5 after Rishabh Pant won the toss and chose to bat for LSG. Abdul Samad contributed with a powerful 30 not out off 10 balls, while Wanindu Hasaranga was RR’s top bowler with 2/31.

RR’s battle and Parag’s take

RR’s chase seemed on track with an 85-run partnership between openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Captain Riyan Parag took responsibility for the defeat, saying, “Really hard to process all the emotions. Don’t know what we did wrong. We were in the game till the 18th or 19th over. I don’t know. I blame myself. I should have finished that game in the 19th over. We have to put up a game collectively.”