Just months ago, Rahul Dravid—India’s head coach and cricket legend—doubted if Vaibhav Suryavanshi was ready for Under-19 cricket. He had only just entered his teens. Today, that same teenager has stunned the world with one of the most remarkable Vaibhav Suryavanshi IPL century innings in IPL history.
Was it close to bedtime for the youngster? Or maybe someone promised him hot jalebis—his favorite treat, as Ravi Shastri pointed out on air. Or was he simply doing what any 14-year-old with rare talent would do—playing the game for pure joy, like his Vaibhav Suryavanshi IPL century performance that took the cricket world by storm?
🌟Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s 14-Year-Old IPL Century: A 35-Ball Ton That Shook the Cricket World
On a seemingly ordinary Monday night, Vaibhav turned the IPL season into a highlight reel. At 14 years and 32 days, he became the youngest centurion in representative T20 cricket. His 35-ball century is the fastest by an Indian in IPL history, second only to Chris Gayle’s 30-ball blitz.
He’s barely old enough for high school exams, yet he’s dominating seasoned pros on the biggest T20 stage.
🎯 Vaibhav Suryavanshi IPL Century: A 35-Ball Ton That Shook the Cricket World
Vaibhav’s IPL journey began on April 19, when he made his debut for the Rajasthan Royals against the Lucknow Super Giants. Facing Shardul Thakur, Vaibhav greeted the tournament with a towering six over wide long-off—his first ball in IPL cricket.
Just over a week later, Vaibhav launched a brutal onslaught on the Gujarat Titans, blasting 11 sixes and surpassing the opposition’s 209-run total. His timing was impeccable, and his strokeplay, including a stunning backfoot punch off Prasidh Krishna that flew over the long-off boundary, left spectators in awe.
🤝 Vaibhav Suryavanshi IPL Debut: A 14-Year-Old’s Century That Sent Shockwaves Across Cricket
Partnering with Yashasvi Jaiswal, himself only 23, the pair put on an explosive 166-run stand. But Jaiswal, despite his own brilliance, took a backseat as the 14-year-old dominated.
Vaibhav tore through stars like Siraj, Ishant, Prasidh, Sundar, Janat, and even Rashid Khan The fans at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, disheartened by three previous defeats, erupted in celebration.
And in the dugout? The usually composed Rahul Dravid—injured Achilles and all—couldn’t contain his emotions. As Vaibhav reached his century with a lofted six over mid-wicket, Dravid leapt up, pumping his fists and yelling in delight. It was a rare moment of open emotion from the man known as ‘The Wall.’
🧠Rahul Dravid: Coach and Mentor to Vaibhav Suryavanshi After His IPL Century
Vaibhav is younger than Dravid’s own son, Anvay. Watching the teen perform under immense pressure may have awakened Dravid’s protective instincts. As head coach, his role goes beyond tactics—it includes mentorship and life guidance, especially for prodigies like Vaibhav who are thrust into the spotlight early.</p>
a-start=”3307″ data-end=”3466″>Now, more than ever, Dravid’s steady hand will be vital in ensuring that the youngster’s journey remains focused
, grounded, and fulfilling—not just successful.</p>
📜 Missed the U19 ODIs, Answered With a Century
Interestingly, Vaibhav was not selected to play in the one-day matches against the visiting Australia Under-19 team last September. The reason? The coaches wanted him to work on his fielding.
But when the two Under-19 ‘Test’ matches were scheduled, he got his chance—and made an emphatic statement. On debut, at Chepauk, he hammered a 62-ball 104, unfazed by the bounce or spin. He struck 14 fours and 4 sixes, showing composure and class well beyond his age.
By then, Vaibhav had already represented Bihar in all three senior formats—an incredible feat for a middle schooler.
🔍 Scouted at 12: A Rare Talent Identified Early
It all began in Chandigarh, during a Vinoo Mankad Under-19 Trophy match. Vaibhav was just 12 years old but batting like someone far older. His ability to outplay older, stronger opponents quickly caught the eye of VS Thilak Naidu, then head of India’s junior selection committee.
With support from VVS Laxman, then head of the National Cricket Academy, Vaibhav’s progress was accelerated. Though he missed the 2024 U19 World Cup in South Africa, he remained firmly on the selectors’ radar, and soon, his Vaibhav Suryavanshi IPL century would make him a household name.
💰 ₹1.1 Crore at 13: IPL’s Youngest Signing
By the time the IPL auction took place in Jeddah in November, Vaibhav had played just one T20 for Bihar. Despite this limited experience, Rajasthan Royals placed immense trust in his talent, securing him for ₹1.1 crore and making him the youngest player ever to sign an IPL contract.
It wasn’t just a bold move; it was a visionary one. That contract was only the beginning of what looks to be a historic journey filled with “youngest ever” records.
🌠 What’s Next for the Teen Wonder?
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric, but the real challenge lies in maintaining balance at such a young age. Surrounded by cricketing giants like Dravid and Laxman, he appears to have the perfect environment to thrive both as a player and as an individual.
For now, he’s a 14-year-old who loves cricket, adores jalebis, and just made history under stadium lights.
