NEW DELHI: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13-year-old cricket sensation from Bihar, has made history by becoming the youngest player ever to be picked in an IPL auction. Signed by Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.10 crore during the IPL 2025 Mega Auction in Jeddah, he has captured the imagination of the cricketing world with his extraordinary talent.
At just 13 years and 188 days, Vaibhav smashed a 62-ball 104 against Australia Under-19 in Chennai, making him the youngest international centurion in competitive cricket history. Earlier, he had already broken records by debuting for Bihar in the Ranji Trophy at just 12 years and 284 days, surpassing milestones set by legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh. His remarkable journey also includes scoring over 400 runs in five matches during the Vinoo Mankad Trophy at age 12, proving his talent on the national stage.
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Cricketing legends and experts have been awestruck by Vaibhav’s potential. Andre Russell, West Indies’ all-rounder, humorously remarked, “What a guy he is! At 13, I was fighting with my sister over a spoon of Maggi and the TV remote. This boy is already playing like a pro!” Pramod Kumar, Bihar’s Ranji coach, praised Vaibhav’s focus, saying, “Vaibhav is a once-in-a-lifetime talent. Cricket is his calling, and nothing else matters to him.” A sports analyst added, “Vaibhav is light-years ahead of his age. He has the skill, mindset, and potential to become a legend of Indian cricket.”
Vaibhav’s journey to the IPL began with his exceptional performances in youth cricket, particularly his century against Australia U-19, which brought him under the radar of IPL scouts. During trials for Rajasthan Royals, he stunned selectors by hitting three sixes in a single over. Impressed by his fearless batting, Royals’ batting coach Vikram Rathour said, “Vaibhav’s fearless batting was a delight to watch. We believe he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.”
Behind Vaibhav’s success lies the sacrifices of his family. His father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, a former cricketer, sold their land to support his son’s dream of playing cricket. Speaking about the challenges, he said, “We sold our land to fund his cricket career. Life hasn’t been easy, but seeing him succeed makes it all worthwhile.”
During the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, Vaibhav became the youngest player to be signed, with Rajasthan Royals winning a bidding war against Delhi Capitals to secure him for INR 1.10 crore. His incredible journey is just beginning, and cricket fans around the world are excited to witness what this young prodigy achieves next. Vaibhav Suryavanshi is not just a cricketing star but also an inspiration, showcasing the power of hard work, sacrifice, and unrelenting determination.