At just 13 years old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has accomplished what many seasoned cricketers only dream of—securing a ₹1.1 crore deal in the IPL 2025 auction. Hailing from the small town of Samastipur, Bihar, this teenage prodigy has not only shattered records but also captured the imagination of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

Known for his fearless batting and unmatched composure, Vaibhav’s meteoric rise from local matches to youth internationals has been nothing short of extraordinary. His historic signing by Rajasthan Royals marks a new chapter, proving that age is no barrier when talent, hard work, and determination come together. Here is the inspiring story of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 13-year-old prodigy:

A Record-Breaking Journey

Vaibhav first caught the cricketing world’s attention in September 2024 when he smashed a 58-ball century against Australia’s Under-19 team in Chennai. His explosive knock of 104 runs, studded with 14 boundaries and four sixes, made him the youngest centurion in youth international cricket at just 13 years and 188 days. This remarkable feat surpassed records held by the likes of Bangladesh’s Najmul Hossain Shanto and cemented his place as a future star.

Vaibhav’s accomplishments go beyond youth cricket. He made his Ranji Trophy debut for Bihar at the tender age of 12 years and 284 days, facing seasoned players like Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube. In the Cooch Behar Trophy, he scored a breathtaking 151 off 128 balls against Jharkhand, showcasing his fearless approach to batting.

The IPL Bidding War

When Vaibhav’s name entered the 2025 IPL auction with a base price of ₹30 lakh, it sparked an intense bidding war between Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals. Rajasthan’s determination to secure the young talent paid off, and CEO Jake Lush McCrum expressed his excitement, stating, “Vaibhav is an incredible talent. His confidence and skills at such a young age are extraordinary.”

This signing made Vaibhav not only the youngest in IPL history but also the first player younger than the league itself to be signed. He now looks forward to working with legendary mentors, including Rahul Dravid, the Royals’ head coach.

The Making of a Prodigy

Vaibhav’s journey is rooted in hard work and sacrifices made by his family. Born in Samastipur, Bihar, he was trained by his father, Sanjeev, a part-time journalist and former cricketer. Despite financial challenges, including selling land to support his son’s career, Sanjeev ensured Vaibhav received proper training. Early mornings in Samastipur were marked by father-son practice sessions, and by the age of five, Vaibhav’s talent was evident.

At just eight years old, Vaibhav excelled in Under-16 district trials. By ten, he was playing with senior players and holding his own. His relentless dedication on the field earned him a spot in Bihar’s state team and paved the way for his rise to international youth cricket.

Vaibhav’s childhood was not all cricket, though. Fond memories of simpler times, like watching cartoons with his friends, add a layer of innocence to the determined athlete’s early years. These moments of joy amidst rigorous training shaped a balanced, grounded individual who carries the aspirations of his family and community with pride.

Beyond Talent: A Humble Star

Coaches and teammates alike describe Vaibhav as a quiet and focused individual who lets his bat do the talking. Bihar coach Pramod Kumar remarked, “Vaibhav is a kind of player who came to play cricket and nothing else. He’s endlessly curious about the game and trains tirelessly.”

Vaibhav idolizes legendary players like Brian Lara and draws inspiration from former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer, who has mentored him during tournaments.

The Road Ahead

As the IPL 2025 season approaches, expectations for Vaibhav are sky-high. He is set to join the Rajasthan Royals’ training camp, where he will further hone his skills under the guidance of seasoned players and coaches. With his fearless batting style and commitment to improvement, Vaibhav is poised to make a significant impact in the tournament.

An Inspiration for Bihar

Vaibhav’s success has brought pride to Bihar, a state with a tumultuous cricketing history. His father’s declaration, “He is not just my son now but the son of Bihar,” resonates with the entire cricketing fraternity. Vaibhav’s story is a testament to talent, perseverance, and the belief that even the youngest can achieve greatness when given the opportunity.

As the IPL gears up for another exciting season, all eyes will be on this teenage prodigy. Will Vaibhav Suryavanshi live up to the hype? If his past performances are any indication, the answer is a resounding yes.

References:

1. 13-year-old cricketer becomes youngest-ever pick in mega IPL auction
2. Youngest IPL crorepati: Bihar’s 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi breaks records in IPL Auction 2025
3. IPL auction: 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi becomes crorepati after Rajasthan deal