14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals proves that age is no barrier to competing at the highest level.
Remember the name – Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The 14-year-old prodigy from Bihar made a stunning IPL debut for the Rajasthan Royals, smashing a 20-ball 34 against the Lucknow Super Giants. He announced his arrival in style, dispatching the very first ball he faced in the IPL for a six over cover off Shardul Thakur. Proving it wasn’t just beginner’s luck; Suryavanshi followed it up with a straight six off Avesh Khan just two balls later.
He was equally commanding against the spinners, pulling a short ball from Digvesh Rathi for a six over long-on. Although he was eventually stumped off Aiden Markram’s bowling, his cameo of 34 showcased the immense talent he possesses.
Suryavanshi’s game deciphered
His knock reflected a fearless approach. There was no sign of being overwhelmed by the big stage or intimidated by seasoned bowlers like Thakur and Khan. As an opener, his aggressive yet composed start was exactly what Rajasthan needed while chasing 181. He complemented senior partner Yashasvi Jaiswal brilliantly at the top of the order.
Importantly, he didn’t rely on wild slogs — his runs came through proper cricketing shots, and he rotated the strike effectively to keep the scoreboard ticking. Whether facing pace or spin, his footwork and sharp hand-eye coordination were a treat to watch.
“He is 14 but has the mind of a 30-year-old,” said commentator Sanjay Manjrekar. “Vaibhav Suryavanshi looked confident against bowlers who’ve been playing for years.”
Read More: Who is Vaibhav Suryavanshi – 13-year-old sensation to slam a ton in Youth Tests
How did Suryavanshi come into limelight?
Suryavanshi burst onto the scene last year when he smashed a 58-ball century against Australia Under-19, becoming the youngest player—at just 13 years and 187 days—to score a ton in Youth Cricket. He also tallied 176 runs at an average of 44 in the 2024 Under-19 Asia Cup. In a domestic U-19 competition in Bihar, he made headlines again by scoring an unbeaten 332.
After a bidding war in the IPL 2024 auction, Rajasthan Royals secured the teenage sensation for ₹1.1 crore. It didn’t take long for the franchise to hand him his maiden IPL cap, making him the youngest-ever player to debut in the tournament at 14 years and 23 days.
𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆. 𝐀. 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 🫡
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 19, 2025
Welcome to #TATAIPL, Vaibhav Suryavanshi 🤝
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Way Forward for the youngster
Vaibhav Suryavanshi is undoubtedly gifted, but he must be allowed to develop at his own pace. While the IPL has catapulted him into the spotlight, he still needs to grind it out in domestic cricket to truly refine his game. With just five First-Class matches and six List A games under his belt, more experience at the domestic level will be crucial if he hopes to play for India and enjoy a long, successful career.
The Rajasthan Royals also carry the responsibility of nurturing him carefully. It’s easy for young players to be swept away by fame and success. Fortunately, with former India captain Rahul Dravid at the helm as coach, Suryavanshi appears to be in the right hands.
Before Suryavanshi, Rajasthan Royals had already built a strong reputation for promoting young India talents like Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sanju Samson. Credit must go to them for identifying another gem and handling him with patience. Suryavanshi sat out the first seven matches before finally getting his opportunity—and he grabbed it with both hands. The Royals’ approach to managing his debut has been thoughtful and commendable.
Read More: Explainer: Scouting Process in IPL & the value it adds to cricket’s biggest league
