Vaibhav Suryavanshi: The 14-Year-Old Prodigy Scripts IPL History with Fastest Indian Century
In a breathtaking display of talent and audacity, Rajasthan Royals’ 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi has stormed into the record books, becoming the youngest player ever to score a T20 century and etching his name as the fastest Indian to a hundred in IPL history. This monumental feat unfolded on Monday at the iconic Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur during a high-octane clash against Gujarat Titans.
Opening the batting, Suryavanshi raced to his maiden IPL century in a mere 35 balls, a knock that stands as the second-fastest in IPL history, only behind the legendary Chris Gayle’s 30-ball blitz in 2013 for Royal Challengers Bangalore. At just 14 years and 32 days, the young prodigy obliterated the previous record for the youngest T20 centurion, held by Vijay Zol at 18 years and 118 days, set back in 2013.
The defining moment arrived in the 11th over when Suryavanshi smashed a towering six off Rashid Khan, sending the Jaipur crowd into a delirium. His explosive innings of 101 runs off 38 balls was studded with 11 sixes and 7 fours, before he was dismissed by Prasidh Krishna. His fearless approach was on full display as he targeted Gujarat Titans’ bowlers, notably plundering 30 runs off Karim Janat and 28 runs off Ishant Sharma in single overs.
Suryavanshi’s onslaught powered Rajasthan Royals to a staggering 87/0 at the end of the powerplay, marking their highest powerplay score in IPL history. Partnering with fellow opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, the duo crafted a blistering 166-run stand in just 11.5 overs, setting a formidable platform in their chase of a daunting 210-run target. This partnership not only showcased Suryavanshi’s raw power but also his ability to dominate alongside established stars.
Beyond the century, the teenager also claimed the record for the youngest player to score an IPL fifty earlier in the innings, achieving the milestone in record time. Additionally, his half-century against Gujarat Titans became the fastest by a Rajasthan Royals batter against this opposition. With every boundary and six, Suryavanshi announced himself as a generational talent, poised to redefine Indian cricket in the years ahead.
As the dust settles on this historic night, cricket enthusiasts and experts alike are left in awe of Suryavanshi’s maturity and skill at such a tender age. Born in Bihar, the young batter was scouted by Rajasthan Royals’ talent development program, and his journey from local grounds to the IPL spotlight is nothing short of inspiring. His aggressive style, reminiscent of modern T20 greats, hints at a future where he could become a cornerstone of Indian cricket.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s record-shattering performance is not just a personal triumph but a signal of the evolving landscape of Indian cricket, where age is no barrier to greatness. As Rajasthan Royals celebrate this new star in their ranks, the cricketing world watches with bated breath for what this teen prodigy will achieve next.