In a historic moment for cricket, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi has become the youngest centurion in men’s Twenty20 cricket, achieving this feat during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans. Suryavanshi scored a blistering 101 runs off just 38 balls, including 11 sixes and seven fours, reaching his century in just 35 balls—the second-fastest in IPL history and the fastest by an Indian, surpassing Yusuf Pathan’s 37-ball record from 2010.
A Record-Breaking Innings
Suryavanshi’s explosive performance led Rajasthan Royals to chase down a 209-run target in just 15.5 overs, securing an eight-wicket win and ending their five-match losing streak. His 166-run opening partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who remained unbeaten on 70, set a new team record.
Notably, Suryavanshi reached his half-century in just 17 balls, making him the youngest player to score a T20 fifty at 14 years and 32 days, and the fastest fifty of the current IPL season.
Early Life and Rise to Prominence
Hailing from Bihar, India, Suryavanshi made headlines as the youngest player to get an IPL contract at age 13, when Rajasthan Royals signed him for Rs 1.10 crore during the 2024 auction. His cricketing journey began early; he made his Ranji Trophy debut for Bihar at just 12 years old and has represented India Under-19, scoring a century against Australia Under-19 at age 13.
Reactions from the Cricketing World
Suryavanshi’s remarkable innings have drawn widespread praise. Cricket legends, including Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, and Krishnamachari Srikkanth, lauded the teenager for his fearless and mature performance. Rajasthan Royals coach Rahul Dravid celebrated Suryavanshi’s milestone, noting his fast scoring rate and composure. Commentator Harsha Bhogle called the innings a “grand announcement” of a new star, highlighting Suryavanshi’s power and temperament despite his young age.
Future Prospects
Suryavanshi’s rapid ascent in cricket underscores his immense talent and potential. His fearless batting and ability to perform under pressure suggest a promising future in the sport. As he continues to develop, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see how this young prodigy’s career unfolds.
