Vaibhav Suryavanshi: The Youngest Player in IPL History

Vaibhav Suryavanshi has made history, becoming the youngest player to take part in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at merely 14 years and 23 days. His outstanding debut occurred during the match between the Rajasthan Royals and the Lucknow Super Giants, where Suryavanshi was introduced as an impact substitute.

The Rajasthan Royals secured Suryavanshi during the IPL mega auctions for ₹1.1 crore. He stepped in for Sandeep Sharma to open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. The 14-year-old, known as ‘Boss Baby’ by commentators, impressively struck a six on his very first ball in the match.

His performance turned heads, including that of Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who shared his astonishment on social media, commenting, “Woke up to watch an 8th grader play in the IPL!!!! What a debut!”

Impressive Performance

Suryavanshi made a considerable mark by amassing 34 runs from just 20 balls, inclusive of two fours and three sixes. His innings featured a notable 85-run opening partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Despite their efforts, the Rajasthan Royals were unable to clinch victory, succumbing to the Lucknow Super Giants, primarily due to the exceptional bowling by Avesh Khan.

A Record-Breaking Debut

This debut broke the previous record held by Prayas Ray Barman, who had entered the IPL at 16 years and 157 days while playing for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2019.

Early Achievements

Suryavanshi’s cricket career began at a young age, showcasing notable achievements prior to his IPL debut. At just 12 years old, he made his Ranji Trophy debut for Bihar, becoming the youngest player in the tournament’s history. His batting talent was also highlighted during a Youth Test against Australia, where he scored a century off just 58 balls, marking the fastest century by an Indian at the youth level.

Prior to the auction, Rajasthan Royals’ coach Rahul Dravid remarked that Suryavanshi possessed “some really good skills,” further affirming his potential in the highly competitive arena of cricket.