From VIS to Gujarat Titans: Vikas Solanki’s Inspiring Journey

Feb 26, 2025

Explore Vikas Solanki’s inspiring journey from Venkateshwar International School to Gujarat Titans. Learn how VIS’s sports training and mentorship shaped his cricketing career.

From VIS to Gujarat Titans: Vikas Solanki’s Inspiring Journey

Success is not a matter of chance or coincidence —it is a product of persistence, discipline, and the right ecosystem that empowers individuals to realise their full potential. Among the innumerable success stories emerging from Venkateshwar International School, one name stands tall: Vikas Solanki. The pride of VIS, Solanki, has made the team for the Gujarat Titans for 2025. His journey from being a passionate budding cricketer to one of the players highlights VIS’ sports achievements and its unwavering pursuit of instilling talent beyond the classroom.

A Dream Born on the School Field

For Solanki, cricket was never just a game. His passion for the sport came alive in Grade 4 - the first time he developed an interest to pick up a bat and ball and passionately dove headlong into the game. What began as a nascent interest grew rapidly into an all-consuming passion. The hours spent on the school ground perfecting his batting skills and bowling style were not just ordinary practice periods but the building blocks of a greater dream.

VIS provided him with an ideal setting, systemic guidance, and professional training to truly hone his talent. Learning at Venkateshwar International School is never one-dimensional. The school ethos is based on holistic development, where students are empowered to excel in whatever sphere of life they choose—academics, sports, or other arts. This approach ensured that Vikas was given room to nurture his cricketing dreams and develop smoothly in academic performance. His journey is an excellent example of how to become a professional cricketer with the proper foundation.

Beyond Academics: A Sports School That Supports Every Dream

Balancing schoolwork and professional sports is often an uphill task. The ever-present tug-of-war between being in class and keeping up with a gruelling training regimen can prove too much for even the most committed students. But VIS is different—it focuses on developing school sports in India. The school believes that real education extends beyond books; it is about seeing and developing each student's potential talents and dreams.

Recognising Vikas’s passion for cricket, the school revised his timetable to include space for his intensive training. Flexible study modules and dynamic mentoring ensured that neither his schooling nor cricketing aspirations suffered. Teachers' learning plans enabled Vikas to miss no classes but make up for any missed work without losing pace. This harmony enabled him to excel on and off the pitch.

This level of individual attention makes VIS stand out as one of the best schools for sports and academics in India. The leadership and faculty strongly believe in fostering dreams and giving each student the appropriate avenues for growth. Whether through sports, arts, or academics, VIS offers doors to turn them into reality. Vikas's journey is one of many, highlighting the school's goal of holistic growth and education.

Overcoming Setbacks: The Defining Moment

Success is never linear, and Solanki’s path was no different. Around the age of 16, he faced one of the most challenging periods of his career—two knee operations. Recovery was daunting and filled with uncertainty and doubt. Being out of the game he loved was physically demanding and psychologically draining. For most young players, such an injury can end their dreams. However, failures at VIS are merely stepping stones, not roadblocks.

Solanki’s confidence was restored with the unshakeable support of VIS and his coach, Dev Dutt. A simple yet powerful philosophy became his anchor:

"Focus on the process, not the outcome."

These words inspired him, moulding his strength of will, discipline, and mental toughness—qualities that eventually brought him back to the field better than before. His comeback is a testament to his resolve and the supportive environment given by Venkateshwar International School.

The Power of Mentorship: The Impact of Coach Dev Dutt

Every superstar athlete has a fantastic mentor behind them. In Solanki’s case, the mentor was Dev Dutt, a veteran cricket coach with 19+ years of experience. His coaching ethic went beyond strokes of genius on the field—his approach imbued discipline, concentration, and a growth attitude. Coach Dev Dutt had identified his potential and played a considerable role in designing his cricket career. His contributions align with the principles of best cricket coaching in schools, ensuring young athletes receive world-class training and mentorship.

His success as a coach is a testament to his commitment:

• Gaurav-e-Hind Award by the Government of India (July 10, 2022)
• Best Coach (Cricket) – 1st NFPET National Awards (2022-23) by Govt. of NCT, Delhi
• Best Coach Award (2018-2019) by Venkateshwar International School

Under his mentorship, Vikas learnt that talent alone is not enough to succeed—it requires grit, flexibility, and unrelenting hard work. Through intense training sessions and one-on-one feedback, Coach Dev Dutt refined Vikas's technical skills while building his mental strength. This holistic guidance equipped him for the cutthroat environment of professional cricket.

A Multi-Faceted Athlete with a Growth Mindset

While cricket will forever remain Solanki’s preference, he is an all-rounder at heart. His routine also involves swimming and badminton, keeping up with VIS's principles of holistic development. Students are encouraged to explore various athletic disciplines as part of the school sports development in India, promoting versatility and adaptability.

A Legacy of Champions: VIS Sports Achievements

Solanki’s drive and success represents VIS's athletic accomplishments and its commitment to developing future leaders across domains, including sports, art and academics. Many former students have aced in their professions, bringing laurels to VIS. The school, with its comprehensive education program, continues to prepare young talent for national and international achievement.

The VIS Promise: Your Dream, Our Mission

Venkateshwar International School serves not just as a place for learning but as a starting point for success. In a system operated by enthusiasm, tenacity, and forward ideas, pupils are given the guidance and opportunities they need to grow. Every success story of a VIS student, including Vikas Solanki, reinforces the strong impulse of the institution to foster in their students the capacity to follow their ambitions and become leaders of the future.

VIS paves way for every aspiration, honours every endeavour, and makes every dream achievable. Vikas Solanki's story perfectly illustrates how proper guidance forms the foundation of a successful future .

At VIS, every student is a champion in the making.