At just 14 years old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has taken the cricketing world by storm, scripting history with the second-fastest century in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, a breathtaking 35-ball masterclass that powered Rajasthan Royals (RR) to an emphatic 8-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in Jaipur.
Opening the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, the left-handed prodigy displayed astonishing power and poise, smashing 101 off just 38 deliveries, including 11 sixes and 7 fours. His century, the fastest ever by an Indian and second only to Chris Gayle’s 30-ball blitz in 2013, came against a formidable Gujarat bowling attack featuring several Indian Test players including Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Siraj, and Rashid Khan.
Suryavanshi, born and raised in the farmlands of Samastipur in Bihar, began his cricketing journey on a cement pitch built by his father. At age 7, Vaibhav was sent to a cricket academy in Patna, 3 hours away from home. Despite his small frame, his raw talent was quickly identified, and bowlers from nearby villages were invited to bowl at him for hours.
After scoring an unbeaten 332 in a state U-19 competition and debuting in first-class cricket at just 12, 3 years younger than Sachin Tendulkar at the time of his debut, Suryavanshi's rise was meteoric. His 58-ball century against Australia’s Under-19 side last year caught national attention, and his IPL signing by Rajasthan Royals was initially viewed as a gamble. It is now seen as a masterstroke.
On his debut, Suryavanshi became the youngest ever player to feature in an IPL match. In just his third game, he delivered an unforgettable performance. After a cautious start of 9 runs off 7 balls, he exploded with 92 runs off the next 28 balls, dismantling Gujarat’s bowling with fearless precision. His knock helped Rajasthan chase down 210 with 25 balls to spare, ending a 5-match losing streak.
“Incredible innings, one of the best I have seen,” said Yashasvi Jaiswal, who remained unbeaten on 70. “He has the game and temperament. I wish him all the luck.”
Even Gujarat captain Shubman Gill, who scored a fluent 84, acknowledged the teenager’s brilliance: “It was Suryavanshi’s day. His hitting was tremendous.”
Speaking after the match, an emotional Suryavanshi said, “It feels really good. What I’ve been practising for the last few months is showing results. I just focus on the ball. It’s like a dream to score a century in the IPL.”
With his explosive entry into the spotlight, comparisons to legends have already begun, but the young sensation remains grounded.
His story is one of talent, sacrifice, and relentless belief and if his current trajectory continues, a place in India’s senior team is only a matter of time.
From backyard nets to the IPL’s biggest stage, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s journey is just getting started.