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In the heartland of Bihar, where cricket is more than a sport, it’s a dream woven into the fabric of everyday life—a young boy named Vaibhav Suryavanshi has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration. At just 14 years old, Vaibhav has already etched his name into the annals of cricket history, becoming the youngest player to debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and shattering age-related records with a fearless approach and prodigious talent. His meteoric rise from the narrow lanes of Tajpur to the grand stages of international cricket is a story of grit, sacrifice, and an unwavering passion for the game. This article traces Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s remarkable journey, exploring the milestones, challenges, and mentorship that have shaped him into one of Indian cricket’s brightest prospects.
Early Beginnings: A Spark Ignited in Tajpur
Vaibhav Suryavanshi was born on March 27, 2011, in Tajpur, a modest village in Bihar’s Samastipur district. Growing up in an area with limited resources and infrastructure, Vaibhav’s introduction to cricket was far from conventional. His father, Sanjeev Suryavanshi, a farmer with a deep love for the sport, recognized his son’s potential at the tender age of four. Sanjeev built a small playing area in their backyard, where Vaibhav would spend hours hitting balls with a makeshift bat. This rudimentary setup laid the foundation for what would become an extraordinary career.
By the age of nine, Vaibhav’s talent was too big for the backyard. Sanjeev enrolled him in a cricket academy in Samastipur, where he began training under the guidance of former Ranji cricketer Manish Ojha. The academy, though modest, provided Vaibhav with a structured environment to hone his skills. His father’s sacrifices were profound—selling a portion of their farmland to fund Vaibhav’s training and travel expenses. Sanjeev’s belief in his son’s dream was unwavering, and he famously remarked, “Woh ab sirf humra bitwa nahi, pura Bihar ka bitwa hai” (He is not just my son now, but entire Bihar’s son). This sentiment would prove prophetic as Vaibhav began to make waves in the cricketing world.
Vaibhav-after-a-practice-session
Breaking Barriers: The Vinoo Mankad Trophy and Ranji Debut
Vaibhav’s first major breakthrough came in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, a prestigious under-19 tournament in India. At just 12 years old, he represented Bihar and showcased his batting prowess, amassing around 400 runs in five matches. His elegant left-handed stroke play and ability to dominate bowlers twice his age caught the attention of selectors and coaches. This performance fast-tracked him into Bihar’s Ranji Trophy squad, a first-class domestic competition.
In January 2024, Vaibhav made his Ranji Trophy debut against Mumbai at the Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna. At 12 years and 284 days, he became the second-youngest player to feature in the tournament’s history, surpassed only by a handful of cricketers from decades past. Facing a formidable Mumbai side, Vaibhav’s debut was a bold statement of intent, even if his scores were modest. The experience of competing against seasoned professionals at such a young age hardened his resolve and showcased his fearless mindset.
Vaibhav’s-debut-match-in-Ranji-Trophy
International Stardom: A Century Against Australia U-19
Vaibhav’s talent transcended domestic cricket when he was selected for the India Under-19 team in 2023. His inclusion in the quadrangular series in Mulapadu, Andhra Pradesh, saw him score 177 runs in six innings, including two half-centuries, signalling his readiness for the international stage. However, it was his debut in a Youth Test against Australia Under-19 in Chennai in September 2024 that truly put him in the global spotlight.
Batting at the iconic Chepauk Stadium, Vaibhav smashed a blistering 104 off 62 balls, including a 58-ball century and the fastest by an Indian in youth Tests and the second-fastest in under-19 international cricket. His aggressive stroke play, particularly against pace, drew comparisons to a young Yuvraj Singh. Though he was run out, his innings left an indelible mark, earning praise from coaches and former players alike. The century was a testament to his ability to perform under pressure and solidified his reputation as a prodigy.
Click to see his century against Australia in Under-19:
Vaibhav’s exploits continued at the 2024 ACC Under-19 Asia Cup in the UAE. As India’s opener, he played a pivotal role in guiding the team to the final. His standout performances included a 76 off 46 balls against UAE Under-19 and a match-defining 67 off 36 balls in the semi-final against Sri Lanka, earning him the Player of the Match award. Across five matches, he scored 176 runs at an average of 76 and a strike rate of 145, finishing as India’s second-highest run-scorer in the tournament. Despite a disappointing final, where he was dismissed early, Vaibhav’s consistency and flair underscored his potential as a future star.
Click here to see his batting against Sri Lanka in Asia Cup:
Record-Breaking List A Debut
In December 2024, Vaibhav added another feather to his cap by becoming the youngest Indian to play List A cricket. Debuting for Bihar in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Madhya Pradesh at the age of 13 years and 269 days, he broke a 25-year-old record previously set by Ali Akbar. Although his debut was underwhelming, scoring just four runs, Vaibhav bounced back later in the tournament with a quickfire 71 off 42 balls against Baroda, becoming the youngest Indian to score a List A fifty. These performances highlighted his ability to learn and adapt, even in the face of setbacks.
The IPL Dream: A Historic Contract
The pinnacle of Vaibhav’s young career came during the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah. At just 13 years and 243 days, he became the youngest player ever to secure an IPL contract, signed by Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.1 crore. The bidding war between Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals underscored his value, with Royals ultimately prevailing. Vaibhav’s trials in Nagpur, where he impressed batting coach Vikram Rathour by smashing three sixes in a high-pressure simulation, had sealed the deal.
Vaibhav-waiting-to-make-runs-for-Rajasthan-Royals
Rajasthan Royals, known for nurturing young talent like Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal, provided the perfect environment for Vaibhav. Head coach Rahul Dravid and mentor VVS Laxman, who had monitored his progress at the National Cricket Academy, saw him as a long-term investment. Sanju Samson, the Royals’ captain, praised Vaibhav’s maturity, saying, “He’s a special talent, and we’re excited to see him grow.”
IPL Debut: A Star is Born
The defining moment of Vaibhav’s young career came during the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, where Rajasthan Royals bought him for ₹1.1 crore, outbidding Delhi Capitals. At 13 years and 243 days, he became the youngest player ever to earn an IPL contract. His trials in Nagpur, where he impressed batting coach Vikram Rathour by hitting three sixes in a high-pressure simulation, were instrumental in his selection in the squad.
On April 19, 2025, Vaibhav made history by debuting for Rajasthan Royals against Lucknow Super Giants at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. At 14 years and 23 days, he became the youngest IPL debutant, surpassing previous record-holder Prayas Ray Barman. Replacing an injured Sanju Samson, Vaibhav opened with Yashasvi Jaiswal and stunned the cricketing world by smashing a six off his first ball, bowled by Shardul Thakur. His 34 off 20 balls, including four sixes, electrified the Jaipur crowd and drew praise from figures like Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who tweeted, “Woke up to watch an 8th grader play in the IPL!!!! What a debut!”
Vaibhav-hitting-the-ball-and-Sundar-Pichai’s-Tweet
Records Broken by the Young Sensation in His IPL Debut
Vaibhav Suryavanshi made a remarkable and a record-breaking debut against Lucknow Super Giants by becoming the youngest player to ever feature in an IPL match at the age of 14 years.
He scored a quick fire 34 of just 20 balls which involved 3 eye-catching sixes making him the youngest player to hit a six surpassing Riyan Parag who did it at the age of 17 years 161 days.
He also became the youngest to hit a four in the IPL as Before Saturday, Prayas RAJ Barman held that record for six years.
Young Vaibhav also joined the elite list of players in the IPL to hit a six in the first of their IPL career. This list includes powerhouse players such as Andre Russell, Carlos Braithwaite and now our very own 14 years old young gun Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
Click here to see his debut for Rajasthan Royals :
Written by : Rishav Das
Published by: Satvika Bhargava
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