Vaibhav Suryavanshi: The Rising Star of IPL 2025
New Delhi: The cricketing world has been captivated by the emergence of 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, whose journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has defied expectations. A prodigy from Tajpur village in Bihar, Suryavanshi has not only made his mark but has also redefined what it means to be a young talent in the world’s most competitive T20 tournament.
His journey began with the Rajasthan Royals’ selection at the mega auction last year, a move that was seen as a bold statement of faith in the future of cricket. However, as the season progressed, Suryavanshi’s performance has surpassed all expectations, turning promise into a compelling narrative of success.
The Rajasthan Royals’ batting coach, Vikram Rathour, a former India opener, has been particularly impressed with Suryavanshi’s development. Rathour highlighted the player’s temperament and consistency, stating, ‘Very impressive. We’ve been working with him for quite some time now – maybe three to four months. We have seen all these aspects, but it is great to see him performing well in games under pressure situations.’
Suryavanshi’s IPL debut was a statement in itself. Facing the Lucknow Super Giants, he launched Shardul Thakur over the ropes for six off his very first ball, a shot that instantly trended across social media and set the tone for what was to come. He finished his debut with a brisk 34, but it was clear Suryavanshi wasn’t just here to make up the numbers.
The season’s defining moment came against Gujarat Titans. The Royals, desperate for a spark, found one in their teenage sensation. Suryavanshi blazed his way to 101 off just 38 balls, registering the second-fastest century in IPL history and shattering records for the youngest centurion in the league and in all professional limited-overs cricket. His innings, studded with 11 sixes, was a masterclass in clean hitting and composure, as he dismantled seasoned bowlers with a mix of classical strokes and fearless aggression.
But Suryavanshi’s season was not just about fireworks. The final group-stage match against CSK, with the Royals chasing 188, showcased a different dimension to his game. The pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium offered early movement, and the experienced CSK attack probed for weaknesses. Suryavanshi started cautiously, working the gaps, rotating strike, and absorbing pressure. Only once he was set did he unfurl his trademark sixes. His 57 off 33 balls anchored the chase and underlined a maturity that belied his age. It was in these moments – when the ball seamed, when the asking rate climbed, when the opposition turned the screws – that Suryavanshi’s temperament shone brightest.
Rathour further elaborated on Suryavanshi’s performance, stating, ‘In a big game like this, when he went in, the ball was doing a bit. He hardly got any deliveries and wasn’t on strike much in the Powerplay. The kind of maturity and temperament he showed were excellent.’
Suryavanshi’s journey in the IPL has not only captured the attention of fans but also the admiration of coaches and analysts. His ability to adapt under pressure, his technical skill, and his mental toughness have positioned him as a rising star in the world of cricket. As the IPL continues, the future looks bright for this young talent who is proving that age is just a number in the world of sports.