Vaibhav Suryavanshi made headlines on Saturday as he became the youngest player to debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at just 14 years old. The left-handed batsman stepped in for Rajasthan Royals’ captain Sanju Samson in a match against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
Suryavanshi wasted no time making an impression. He hit a massive six off the very first ball he faced, sending the crowd into a frenzy. This remarkable shot was directed over extra cover off Shardul Thakur, showcasing his natural talent and power. Commentator Shane Watson was left in awe, commenting on the difficulty of executing such a shot with authority.
In his short but thrilling innings, Suryavanshi scored 34 runs off just 20 balls, hitting two additional sixes along the way. He formed a strong opening partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal, putting together 85 runs before he was dismissed. Despite his impressive performance, the Royals lost the match by just two runs.
Rajasthan’s spin bowling coach, Sairaj Bahutule, praised Suryavanshi, noting that his preparation in the nets had been excellent. Bahutule emphasized the importance of giving the young player a chance, especially with Samson sidelined. He described Suryavanshi as a bright talent with a well-rounded game and a fearless approach at the crease.
Suryavanshi’s journey to the IPL began when he became the youngest player to secure a contract in the league at the age of 13, after Rajasthan Royals outbid the Delhi Capitals for him. The team signed him for 11 million Indian rupees, which is about $128,750. He also made his debut in the Ranji Trophy at just 12 years old and has played for India’s Under-19 team, where he scored a century against Australia.
His rise in cricket has been marked by standout performances, including a triple-century in a local tournament in Bihar. Fans and cricket analysts alike are eager to see how Suryavanshi develops in the future, hoping he continues to shine for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.