In a stunning turn of events, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13-year-old cricketer from Bihar, has taken the world of cricket by storm after securing an IPL contract worth ₹1.10 crore with Rajasthan Royals during the IPL 2025 auction in Saudi Arabia. This makes Suryavanshi the youngest player ever to receive an IPL contract, catapulting him into the spotlight. However, the rising star is not only making headlines for his impressive talent but also amidst a controversy regarding his age. Let’s take a deeper dive into the story of this cricketing prodigy and why his viral batting video against Australia A has been the talk of the town.
The Rise of Vaibhav Suryavanshi: IPL’s Youngest Sensation
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a left-handed batsman from Bihar, has created history by becoming the youngest cricketer to be bought in the IPL. His stunning ₹1.10 crore deal was the result of intense bidding between Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals, highlighting his immense potential. At just 13 years old, Suryavanshi’s remarkable journey from playing local tournaments to securing an IPL contract has captivated the cricket world. His IPL contract is not only a personal achievement but also a landmark moment for the cricketing community, showing that age is no longer a barrier to success in modern cricket.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Viral Batting Video
Just a day after his IPL success, an old video of Vaibhav Suryavanshi batting against Australia U-19 has gone viral, further adding to his rising popularity. In the video, the talented southpaw scores an impressive 104 off 62 balls against the Australian youth team in a Youth Test match. His elegant shots, particularly his flawless cover drives, were a treat for cricket fans across the globe. The video showcases Suryavanshi’s ability to find gaps effortlessly and his composure under pressure. With an exceptional ability to time the ball, this knock not only marked his entry into the international scene but also made him the youngest Indian to score an international century.
Early Career Milestones: Breaking Records at a Young Age
Before his IPL contract, Vaibhav Suryavanshi had already begun making waves in Indian cricket. At just 12 years and 284 days, he made his first-class debut for Bihar in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy, playing against Mumbai. This achievement made him one of the youngest debutants in Indian first-class cricket. Suryavanshi also excelled in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, scoring nearly 400 runs in five matches, which further showcased his prodigious talent. His solid performances in junior circuits caught the attention of IPL scouts, eventually leading to his historic IPL contract.
In addition to his first-class debut, Suryavanshi also made his T20 debut for Bihar in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, playing against Rajasthan. Though he scored 13 runs off just 6 balls in this match, it was evident that his T20 debut would not be his last in the limelight.
Age Controversy: Is Vaibhav Suryavanshi Really 13?
Despite his remarkable feats, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s journey has not been without controversy. Many have questioned the authenticity of his age, with speculations suggesting that he may actually be 15 years old instead of 13, as indicated by BCCI records. His father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, has defended his son, clarifying that Vaibhav underwent a BCCI bone test at the age of 8 and a half years. According to him, Vaibhav is indeed 13 and has already represented India U-19, with his age being verified through medical testing. He also expressed confidence that his son would be willing to undergo further tests if required, addressing the age controversy head-on.
Rajasthan Royals: A Perfect Environment for Vaibhav’s Growth
Speaking about Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s potential, Rajasthan Royals’ head coach Rahul Dravid expressed optimism about the young cricketer’s future. Dravid, a legend of Indian cricket, praised Suryavanshi’s cricketing skills and indicated that the environment at Rajasthan Royals would be perfect for his growth. Dravid highlighted how the franchise had noticed Suryavanshi’s potential at the trials and believed that this would be a great opportunity for him to develop further. For a young cricketer like Vaibhav, having a mentor like Dravid could play a pivotal role in shaping his future.
What’s Next for Vaibhav Suryavanshi?
The future looks incredibly bright for Vaibhav Suryavanshi, and his IPL contract is just the beginning of what could be a legendary career. With his exceptional batting technique, ability to perform under pressure, and the support of renowned figures like Rahul Dravid, Suryavanshi is well-equipped to make an impact in the IPL and beyond. As he continues to make waves on the domestic and international cricketing scene, fans will be watching his journey closely, eager to see how this young prodigy fares in the highly competitive world of Indian cricket.
Conclusion
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s meteoric rise in the world of cricket has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. From becoming the youngest player to be bought in the IPL to his viral batting performance against Australia U-19, Suryavanshi is quickly making a name for himself. While controversies surrounding his age remain, his talent and determination cannot be questioned. As the IPL 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Vaibhav Suryavanshi to see if he can deliver on his immense potential and become one of India’s next big cricketing stars.
