It was a massive onslaught, rarely seen, one that marked the start of yet another cricketing prodigy. The fastest ever hundred by an Indian in IPL history, next only to West Indian Chris Gayle, in just 38 balls, during which he took to the cleaners some of the most established Indian bowlers. At a mere 14 years of age, he made cricketing history, being the youngest ever to play for IPL, and also score a century. This new found prodigy is none other than Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s cricket journey began in Motipur village, Samastipur, Bihar, where he was born to a humble farmer’s family. Having been nurtured as a young cricketer by his family, seeing his potential, he made his way fast into the national and international arena.
His young 14 years has rocked the cricketing world, after scoring an electric 35 ball century in the Indian Premier League. Vaibhav Suryavanshi broke all sorts of batting records in Twenty20 cricket during the IPL game in Jaipur.
Rajasthan Royals had bid for him, making another landmark decision last year, recruiting the young man only at 13 years of age. It took Suryavanshi just three games in the sport’s richest, ritziest league to grab global attention as he smashed 11 sixes and seven fours in his breathtaking 101.
His innings was not without strokes of good luck but he remained undaunted. A fearless hitter of the ball, his youth defied logic as he plundered some of the best bowlers in the game. His stroke play is both fluent and strong, effortless lift of the ball, but considering that it was his first big knock, his poise was most awe-inspiring.
Facing him on the other side was Yashasvi Jaiswal, a young player now only 23. On the other side, the Gujarat Titans had earlier started off great, between Shubham Gill (25 years of age), and Sai Sudarshan (just 23 years old). Between them all, what has come into focus is the advent of youth. Of course, between 14 years and 23 as well, there is world of a difference. At just 14, kids are known more for playing chess or video games. But not Vaibhav. This shift in age augurs well for Indian cricket, at a time when some of the older players may be looking for newer pastures.
To imagine better, the achievement of Suryavanshi, who was born a year after Yousuf Pathan hit the then fastest century in IPL in 2010 off 37 balls for Rajasthan against Mumbai Indians. Pathan was quick to congratulate the youngster for breaking his record for fastest IPL hundred by an Indian.
“Even more special to see it happen while playing for Rajasthan Royals, just like I did. There’s truly something magical about this franchise for youngsters,” Pathan posted on X. “Long way to go, champ.”
Royals batting coach Vikram Rathore said “To do it in front of this kind of crowd and in a situation like this against a really, really good bowling attack, I think it was really special and a lot of credit to him.” Said Rathore “he has a solid head on his shoulders.”
“It’s too early to say that and it’s unfair I think on the kid to compare him to Sachin Tendulkar,” he told the post-game news conference. “As I said he’s a new Vaibhav Suryavansh. He’s a special kid and he’s a special talent. If he keeps working hard, he’ll have a special place in Indian cricket, I’m sure.”
“Witnessed this carnage of an innings by this youngster. Absolutely insane!” Suryakumar Yadav of Mumbai Indians posted on X.
Former India batter Yuvraj Singh was impressed with the fearless attitude of Suryavanshi. He was quick to congratulate the youngster for breaking his record for fastest IPL hundred by an Indian.
“Even more special to see it happen while playing for (Rajasthan Royals), just like I did. There’s truly something magical about this franchise for youngsters,” Pathan posted on X. “Long way to go, champ.”
