Dreams have come true early for Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13-year-old cricket prodigy who has become the youngest player in Indian Premier League (IPL) history. The shy schoolboy from Bihar, India’s poorest state, has captured the imagination of the cricketing world with his remarkable journey.
From Humble Beginnings to Stardom
Vaibhav hails from a farming family in Bihar, with his father, Sanjeev Suryavanshi, juggling roles as a farmer and part-time journalist. Despite limited resources, Vaibhav’s cricketing talent has propelled him to incredible heights.
His rise has been meteoric. At just 12 years old, he made his domestic debut in the prestigious Ranji Trophy. Shortly after, he was selected for India’s Under-19 squad, where he grabbed headlines with a blazing 58-ball century against a touring Australian team.
A Life-Changing IPL Auction
The IPL 2025 mega auction in Saudi Arabia brought Vaibhav global attention. In a dramatic bidding war, Rajasthan Royals secured the left-handed batter and spinner for $130,500, three times his base price. This signing not only made him the youngest player in IPL history but also placed him in the spotlight of the world’s most lucrative T20 league.
Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid, impressed by Vaibhav’s talent during trials, believes the team can nurture the youngster. “He has some really good skills, and we thought this would be a great environment for him to grow,” Dravid said.
A Family’s Pride and Surprise
Vaibhav’s father, Sanjeev, was overwhelmed by the outcome of the auction. Speaking to The Indian Express, he shared, “I am speechless. This is a massive moment for our family. I had a feeling he might get picked, but never imagined a bidding war for him.”
Sanjeev expressed confidence in Rajasthan Royals’ ability to develop young players, citing examples like Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, and Riyan Parag, all of whom have thrived under the franchise’s guidance.
The Boy Who Lives for Cricket
Vaibhav’s state coach, Pramod Kumar, described him as a quiet and dedicated player. “He is someone who was born to play cricket. He rarely speaks, but when it comes to cricket, he can talk endlessly,” Kumar told The Times of India.
Currently, Vaibhav is representing India in the Under-19 Asia Cup in the UAE. While he may not feature in IPL games immediately, the Royals are expected to shape him into a future star.
A Bright Future Ahead
The IPL season, typically held from March to May, will be a crucial time for Vaibhav as he begins his journey among cricketing elites. With the guidance of experienced mentors at Rajasthan Royals, the young talent is poised to turn his dreams into reality.
