Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the youngest-ever player sold in an IPL auction, took the cricketing world by storm with his dazzling exploits in the 2025 edition of the tournament.
Playing for Rajasthan Royals (RR), the southpaw scored 252 runs in seven matches with a strike rate of 206.55. The highlight of his maiden IPL season was the mind-blowing 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Suryavanshi, at just 14 years and 32 days, became the youngest-ever batter to score a ton in the cash-rich league. His 101-run knock off 38 balls, studded with seven boundaries and 11 sixes, paved the way for RR’s eight-wicket victory in the chase of 210 with 25 deliveries to spare.
During the course of his whirlwind innings, Suryavanshi broke Yusuf Pathan's 15-year-old record for the fastest IPL hundred by an Indian. His ton was the second fastest in the tournament history after Chris Gayle's century in 30 balls for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2013.
Following the IPL 2025, Vaibhav made a mark in the Youth ODI series against England. He produced knocks of 48, 45 and 86 in the first, second and third Youth ODI, respectively. However, his best bit of display came in the fourth game in Worcester, where he slammed a stunning 52-ball century — the fastest ever in Youth ODIs. The teenage sensation went on to score a remarkable 143 off 78 deliveries, with the help of 13 fours and 10 sixes.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s rise in the last few months has impressed former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu, who feels the youngster could soon play for the Men in Blue at the highest level.
Speaking on a YouTube podcast by Shubhankar Mishra, Rayudu also offered a valuable advice to Suryavanshi, saying that he should not listen to many people.
“His bat speed is extraordinary. Jo uska whip aata hai… I hope nobody changes that. He should get better. Someone like Lara… maybe go and talk to him. He also had a similar type of bat lift. So he can learn about how to control the bat speed when you are defending and when you are playing with a soft hand. So if he learns that, then he will be an extraordinary talent,” Rayudu said.
“He only has to focus on one thing, and that is he should not listen to many people. Don’t listen to people; just back your talent. And for coaches also, it is important that usko jyada gyaan mat do. Leave him," Rayudu added.
“He’s extraordinary talent. Agar sambhal ke usko sahi guide karenge… He is lucky that Rahul (Dravid) bhai is with him. Rahul Bhai will take care of him," Rayudu further remarked.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi will next be seen in action for the India U-19 team against Australia. He will travel to Australia to take part in three youth ODIs and two youth Tests, starting on September 21 in Brisbane.
