Vaibhav Suryavanshi: Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, a new star has emerged, captivating cricket fans globally. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old batting sensation from Bihar, has taken the cricketing world by storm, scripting history with the fastest Century of the season in just 37 balls for Rajasthan Royals (RR) against Gujarat Titans (GT). This extraordinary feat, achieved on April 28, 2025, at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium, not only shattered records but also showcased the fearless talent of a teenager who is redefining the boundaries of age in professional cricket. Let’s dive into the remarkable journey of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, his record-breaking performance, and what makes him a name to remember in IPL 2025.
A Record-Breaking Night in Jaipur
The IPL 2025 clash between Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans was a high-octane encounter, with GT setting a daunting target of 210, thanks to stellar performances from Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 50 off 26 balls. However, it was RR’s chase that stole the spotlight, led by the audacious Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Partnering with Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 14-year-old opener unleashed a barrage of boundaries, racing to 81/0 in just five overs. Vaibhav’s 17-ball fifty, which included six sixes, broke multiple records, making him the youngest player to score an IPL half-century, surpassing his captain Riyan Parag’s record by three years. Vaibhav’s onslaught was particularly devastating against seasoned bowlers like Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna. He smashed 28 runs off Ishant alone, including a towering six that soared into the stands. His ability to dominate experienced international bowlers left commentators and fans in awe, with social media buzzing with praise. One X post described him as a “freak of nature,” noting that cricket has “never seen anything like this before.” This performance wasn’t just a one-off; it was a testament to Vaibhav’s prodigious talent, honed through years of dedication and sacrifice.
Who is Vaibhav Suryavanshi?
Born on March 27, 2011, in Tajpur village, Bihar, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s cricketing journey began at the tender age of four, fueled by his father Sanjeev’s passion for the game. Hailing from a modest background, Vaibhav’s family made significant sacrifices, including selling land to support his cricketing dreams. His talent was evident early on, as he debuted for Bihar in the Ranji Trophy at just 12 years and 284 days, surpassing records set by legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh. Vaibhav’s meteoric rise continued in age-group cricket. In October 2024, he smashed a 58-ball century for India U-19 against Australia in Chennai, the fastest by an Indian in U-19 Test history and the second-fastest globally. He also played a pivotal role in India’s run to the 2024 U-19 Asia Cup final, scoring 176 runs at an average of 44, including a match-defining 67 off 36 balls in the semi-final against Sri Lanka. His triple century (332*) in Bihar’s Randhir Verma U-19 Tournament further cemented his reputation as a batting prodigy.
The IPL 2025 Mega Auction and RR’s Bold Bet
Vaibhav’s talent caught the eye of Rajasthan Royals during their trials, leading to a fierce bidding war at the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah. RR secured him for ₹1.1 crore, making him the youngest player ever signed in IPL history at 13 years and 243 days. Head coach Rahul Dravid, known for nurturing young talent like Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal, saw Vaibhav as a perfect fit for RR’s environment. “He’s got some really good skills, so we thought it might be a good environment for him to grow in,” Dravid said. Vaibhav’s IPL journey began with a bang. On his debut against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 19, 2025, he became the youngest IPL debutant at 14 years and 23 days, replacing the injured Sanju Samson. He smashed 34 off 20 balls, including a six off his first delivery against Shardul Thakur, leaving commentators like Shane Watson “jaw-dropped.” Despite RR’s narrow two-run loss, Vaibhav’s fearless approach earned accolades, with Google CEO Sundar Pichai among those praising his “absurd” debut.
The 37-Ball Century: A Game-Changer
Against GT, Vaibhav elevated his game to another level. Opening with Jaiswal, he took on GT’s bowling attack with breathtaking aggression. His 37-ball Century, the fastest of IPL 2025, included a six off Washington Sundar that soared over deep square leg and a four over cover, showcasing his 360-degree shot-making ability. X posts hailed his “beast mode,” with one noting his “good range on the off side” and “unbelievable hitting.” Vaibhav’s performance wasn’t just about power; it was about composure under pressure. Facing a steep chase of 210, he and Jaiswal blazed to 60 in four overs, putting GT on the back foot. While RR’s chase ultimately fell short, Vaibhav’s contribution kept them in contention, highlighting his ability to compete at the highest level despite his age.