Cricket fans, buckle up because there’s a new name lighting up the Indian cricket scene – Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
At just 13 years old, this boy from Bihar has already made history, becoming the youngest player to be picked up in an Indian Premier League auction. On Day 2 of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Rajasthan Royals picked Vaibhav for a whopping Rs 1.10 crore, outbidding Delhi Capitals in a fierce bidding war, reported NDTV.
Born in 2011, his love for the sport blossomed when he was just 4 years old. His father, Sanjeev Suryavanshi, recognized his passion early and set up a small playing area at home, in a bid to nurture his talent. At 9, Vaibhav joined a cricket academy in Samastipur, and it didn’t take long for people to realize he was something special.
He first tasted success in the Under-16 trials for the prestigious Vijay Merchant Trophy, where he was a standout performer despite being a few years younger than most participants. This led him to train under former Ranji player Manish Ojha, who polished his skills and turned him into the cricketing sensation he is today.
Vaibhav’s rise continued when he debuted in Bihar’s Ranji Trophy clash against Mumbai earlier this year at just 12 years and 284 days, making him the youngest Indian first-class cricketer since 1986. His performance was impressive in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, where he scored 400 runs in just five matches, reported India Today.
On the international stage as well, Vaibhav hit a stunning 62-ball century in a youth Test match against Australia’s U-19 team. This earned him a spot in the India B U-19 team.
Though he may not get his IPL debut immediately, training with legends like Rahul Dravid and Kumar Sangakkara is already a dream come true for the young star.
As with any rising star, there’s always a bit of drama. Some fans raised questions about Vaibhav’s age, hinting at possible age fraud. But his father was quick to shut down the rumours, stating that Vaibhav had passed bone age tests before and was ready to undergo them again if needed.
One thing is clear – this is just the beginning for Vaibhav Suryavanshi.