In a groundbreaking moment in cricket history, 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Bihar has shattered records by becoming the youngest player to secure an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract. The prodigious left-handed top-order batter, hailing from Samastipur, has been signed by Rajasthan Royals (RR) for a whopping INR 1.10 crore (approximately $130,000) at the IPL 2025 auction.
Suryavanshi’s rise to stardom is as meteoric as it is inspiring. At just 13 years and 243 days, he has already made waves on the cricketing scene, representing India Under-19 and scoring a sensational century against Australia Under-19 in a four-day game in Chennai. This historic signing marks a new chapter in the IPL’s legacy of nurturing exceptional young talent.
Table of Contents
The Bidding Frenzy: A Historic Signing for the Rajasthan Royals
The auction saw a heated battle for Suryavanshi’s signature. With a base price of INR 30 lakh, the young prodigy quickly became the center of a bidding war between Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals. Ultimately, it was RR who emerged victorious, securing the teenager’s services.
“He’s been to our high-performance center in Nagpur, he had trials there and really impressed our coaching set-up,” said Jake Lush McCrum, CEO of Rajasthan Royals, following the auction. “He’s an incredible talent, and of course, you got to have the confidence so he can step up to the IPL level. So lots of work will go in in the coming months to continue to develop him, but hell of a talent and we’re really excited to have him as part of the franchise.”
A Record-Breaking Journey
Suryavanshi’s career highlights are already the stuff of legend. Less than two months ago, he scored a blistering century against Australia Under-19, reaching 104 off just 58 balls. This remarkable feat made him the youngest player in youth cricket to score a century, breaking the record previously held by Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.
In addition to his exploits on the international stage, Suryavanshi has demonstrated his prowess in domestic cricket. He boasts an unbeaten triple century (332 runs) in the Randhir Verma Tournament, a marquee U-19 competition in Bihar. Having already played five Ranji Trophy matches and debuted in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the youngster is no stranger to high-stakes cricket.
Inspired by Legends, Guided by Mentors
Suryavanshi draws inspiration from the legendary Brian Lara, whose flair and attacking mindset resonate with the young batter’s style of play. He also consults former India opener Wasim Jaffer for guidance, a relationship that began during an U-19 white-ball tournament in Bangladesh in 2023.
However, the foundation of Suryavanshi’s cricketing journey lies closer to home. His father, Sanjeev Suryavanshi, has been his formal coach and constant support system. A cricketer who couldn’t advance to the highest levels, Sanjeev dedicated himself to nurturing Vaibhav’s talent, recognizing his potential from an early age.
Rajasthan Royals’ Vision for Suryavanshi
Suryavanshi’s inclusion in the Rajasthan Royals squad is not just a testament to his talent but also an indication of the franchise’s commitment to nurturing young players. “Vaibhav has shown extraordinary skills and mental toughness for someone his age,” added McCrum. “Our goal is to provide him with the right guidance and opportunities to transition seamlessly into IPL cricket.”
With his IPL debut on the horizon, Suryavanshi’s journey promises to be one of the most eagerly followed stories in the tournament’s history. His signing reflects the IPL’s evolution as a platform for identifying and fostering exceptional talent, irrespective of age or background.
The Road Ahead
The cricketing world is abuzz with anticipation as the 2025 IPL season approaches. For Vaibhav Suryavanshi, this is just the beginning of what promises to be a stellar career. As he steps into the limelight, the youngster carries not just the hopes of Bihar but also the aspirations of countless young cricketers across the country.
From his record-breaking feats to his upcoming IPL journey, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and untapped potential. The cricketing fraternity will be watching closely as this 13-year-old phenomenon takes his first steps on the biggest stage in T20 cricket.
FAQs
Who is Vaibhav Suryavanshi?
Vaibhav Suryavanshi is a 13-year-old left-handed top-order batter from Bihar who became the youngest player to sign an IPL contract, securing a deal with Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.10 crore.
What are Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s key achievements?
Suryavanshi scored a century against Australia U-19 at 13 years and 187 days, becoming the youngest to achieve this feat in youth cricket. He also holds an unbeaten triple century (332 runs) in Bihar’s Randhir Verma Tournament.
How did Rajasthan Royals acquire him?
Rajasthan Royals outbid Delhi Capitals in a fierce bidding war, starting at a base price of INR 30 lakh, to sign Suryavanshi at the IPL 2025 auction.
Who has influenced Suryavanshi’s cricketing journey?
He idolizes Brian Lara, consults Wasim Jaffer for advice, and is coached by his father, Sanjeev Suryavanshi, a former cricketer turned mentor.
