In the fast-paced world of cricket, where records are set and shattered, a 14-year-old boy from Bihar has emerged as a sensation. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the youngest player to score a century in men’s T20 cricket, has taken the Indian Premier League (IPL) by storm. His 35-ball century for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans on April 28, 2025, isn’t just a record—it’s a story of grit, family sacrifice, and raw talent breaking through all odds.
But who is Vaibhav Suryavanshi, this teenage prodigy rewriting cricket history? This article explores his journey from a small village to the IPL spotlight, answering your questions about his life, achievements, and what lies ahead.
Who Is Vaibhav Suryavanshi?
Vaibhav Suryavanshi hails from Tajpur, a village in Bihar’s Samastipur district. Born on March 27, 2011, he’s younger than the IPL, yet he’s already making waves. At 14, he became the youngest IPL debutant and the second-fastest centurion in the league’s history, scoring 101 off 38 balls. His fearless batting, including 11 sixes and & fours, stunned a Gujarat Titans attack packed with international stars like Rashid Khan and Mohammed Siraj.
Vaibhav’s roots are humble. His parents nurtured his passion for the game in a region with scarce cricket facilities. His father, Sanjiv, a farmer, quit his job to support Vaibhav’s dream, while his mother sacrificed sleep to cook for his training. “I am what I am because of my parents,” Vaibhav said in an IPL video, a sentiment echoed by his father’s pride in a Bihar Cricket Association clip. He will surely be given a chance in International Cricket against teams like Zimbabwe soon, as per the pattern of the BCCI.
The Journey to IPL Stardom
Vaibhav’s path to the IPL wasn’t easy. Growing up in Bihar, he travelled 90 kilometres daily to Patna for practice, often with his father by his side. At 12 years and 284 days, he debuted in first-class cricket for Bihar in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season, showcasing his potential early.
His breakthrough came in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy and the Under-19 Quadrangular series in 2023, scoring 53 against England U-19 and 75 against Bangladesh U-19. Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer, then coaching Bangladesh U-19, spotted and mentored his talent. “I was taken aback by his skill,” Jaffer told ESPNcricinfo.
Rajasthan Royals picked him up for INR 1.1 crore in the IPL 2025 auction after he impressed at trials. An injury to captain Sanju Samson gave him his chance, and Vaibhav seized it, hitting a six off his first ball against Shardul Thakur on April 19, 2025.
The Fastest Century by an Indian in IPL
Vaibhav’s defining moment came against the Gujarat Titans. Chasing 210, he smashed a 35-ball century, the fastest by an Indian in IPL history and second only to Chris Gayle’s 30-ball record. His 101 runs off 38 balls, with a strike rate of 265.79, included a barrage of sixes that left commentators speechless.
Youngest players to score an IPL century:
| Player Name | Team (Match) | Year | Age at Century |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | RR vs GT | 2025 | 14 years, 32 days |
| Manish Pandey | RCB vs Deccan Chargers | 2009 | 19 years, 253 days |
| Rishabh Pant | DD vs SRH | 2018 | 20 years, 218 days |
| Devdutt Padikkal | RCB vs RR | 2021 | 20 years, 289 days |
Ian Bishop called it “mind-blowing” on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out, while batting coach Vikram Rathour praised his composure: “We knew what he was capable of, but to do it against such a bowling attack is special.” Rajasthan’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, hailed him as a prodigy, noting his unique bat swing—reminiscent of Yuvraj Singh—that generates explosive power, which we have seen Shreyas doing in the semi-final against Australia.
Vaibhav’s IPL 2025 Stats
Here’s a snapshot of Vaibhav’s IPL performances so far:
|
Match |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 34 | 20 | 2 | 3 | 170.00 |
| 2 | 101 | 38 | 7 | 11 | 265.79 |
| 3 | – | – | – | – | – |
Source: IPL Official Website
The Impact: A New Dawn for Indian Cricket
Vaibhav’s rise isn’t just about records—it’s a game-changer for Indian cricket. His success from a non-traditional cricketing state like Bihar inspires countless kids to dream big. “He’s shown age is just a number,” said Wasim Jaffer, who believes Vaibhav can excel in all formats like a godfather.
Rajasthan Royals’ faith in young talent—seen with players like Yashasvi Jaiswal—has paid off again. Bishop noted a cultural shift in Indian cricket: “Franchises are letting young players be fearless, and that’s huge.” Vaibhav’s story could spark investment in grassroots cricket in smaller towns like New Zealand.
What’s Next for Vaibhav?
At 14, Vaibhav’s future is bright but fragile. His talent is undeniable, but the spotlight brings pressure. “This is new territory for everyone,” Bishop said, emphasising the need for guidance from Dravid, his parents, and the BCCI. Jaffer advises him to “play his natural game,” a style that’s already match-winning.
The challenge? Balancing fame with growth. With Dravid’s mentorship and his family’s support, Vaibhav could become a cricketing great. But he’ll need to navigate failures—like Brian Lara did—and stay grounded.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi is more than an IPL sensation—he symbolises hope. From a village in Bihar to the IPL’s grand stage, his 35-ball century is a triumph of talent and tenacity. As he continues to dazzle, one thing is clear: this 14-year-old isn’t just breaking records; he’s building a legacy.
