Rajasthan Royals first spotted Vaibhav’s talent during trials in Nagpur. He really impressed the team’s batting coach, Vikram Rathour, by smashing three sixes in a practice match situation. In that session, he hit a total of eight sixes and four fours. At the IPL auction, his base price was Rs 30 lakh.
Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals got into a bidding war, but RR finally got him for Rs 1.10 crore, making him the youngest player ever bought at an IPL auction. His father says Vaibhav is completely focused. “He just wants to play cricket and nothing else. A few years back he loved Doremon, not anymore,” Sanjiv said. The Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) President, Rakesh Tiwary, also praised Vaibhav, saying his journey from Bihar to the IPL is a matter of ‘immense pride’ and will inspire many young cricketers.