Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi has made headlines by becoming the youngest player ever to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He achieved this milestone while playing for the Rajasthan Royals, stepping in as an impact substitute for the injured captain, Sanju Samson.
Suryavanshi, who just celebrated his 14th birthday last month, made an impressive debut. He opened the batting and hit the first ball he faced for a six, launching it over extra cover. During his brief innings, he scored 34 runs off 20 balls, hitting three sixes and two fours before being stumped by Rishabh Pant, the captain of the Lucknow Super Giants.
His selection for the team came shortly after he showcased his talent by scoring a remarkable 100 runs off just 58 balls for the India U19 team against Australia U19 in an unofficial test match in Chennai. The Rajasthan Royals signed him for £105,000, making him the youngest player ever bought in an IPL auction.
Suryavanshi’s debut is not just a personal achievement; it also sets a new record in the IPL. He is the first player born after the tournament started in 2008 to play in the league. The previous record for the youngest debutant was held by Prayas Rai Burman, who played at the age of 16 years and 154 days in 2019.
This young cricketer’s journey is already being closely watched, and many are eager to see how he will develop in the future. His entry into the IPL marks a significant moment in cricket history, as he joins the ranks of players who have made their mark in one of the world’s most popular cricket leagues.