Introduction (Hook): In a night that will echo through the annals of cricket history, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a mere 14 years and 32 days old, turned the Sawai Mansingh Stadium into his personal playground. Playing for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL), this teenage sensation chased down a towering target of 210 with a blistering 35-ball century, rewriting records and redefining the boundaries of possibility in T20 cricket.
Main Body (Meat): Vaibhav’s innings of 101 runs off 38 balls, studded with 7 fours and 11 mammoth sixes, wasn’t just a performance—it was a statement. The young batter, who had already hinted at his potential with a first-ball six on his IPL debut earlier this season, shattered multiple records in a single, unforgettable knock. Here’s a deep dive into the milestones he conquered:
Youngest Ever Milestones:
- Youngest to score a 50 in T20 history (14y 32d), surpassing all previous prodigies.
- Youngest to score a 100 in T20 history (14y 32d), a feat unimaginable until now.
- Youngest IPL Man of the Match awardee (14y 32d), eclipsing the likes of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Washington Sundar.
Batting Prowess Records:
- Fastest IPL century by an Indian (35 balls), outpacing Yusuf Pathan’s 37-ball record set in 2010.
- Fastest century in an IPL chase (35 balls), showcasing nerves of steel under pressure.
- Least innings to an IPL century by an Indian (just his 3rd IPL match), highlighting his meteoric rise.
- Only Indian to reach a century within 11 overs in IPL history, a staggering display of aggression.
Power-Hitting Feats:
- Most sixes by a debutant in an IPL innings (11 sixes), a record-breaking introduction to the league.
- Joint-most sixes by an Indian in an IPL match (11 sixes), matching the best in the business.
- Joint-most sixes in an IPL chase, proving his clutch performance in high-stakes scenarios.
Beyond the numbers, Vaibhav’s knock left even the most seasoned observers in awe. Rahul Dravid, the usually composed head coach of Rajasthan Royals, was seen leaping from his seat, a rare wide grin on his face as he applauded the teenager’s heroics. The crowd, draped in pink, roared with every boundary, witnessing the birth of a future superstar. Hailing from Bihar, Vaibhav has been a standout in age-group cricket, scoring heavily in the Cooch Behar Trophy last year with an average above 70, and his fearless approach in the IPL has now cemented his reputation as a generational talent.
Conclusion (Bun): At just 14, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has not only broken records but also shattered expectations, signaling the arrival of a new era in cricket. As he walked off the field, bat raised to a standing ovation, one thing became clear: this is just the beginning. With a long career ahead, the cricket world waits with bated breath to see what boundaries this prodigy will push next. For now, though, let’s savor this historic night—a night when a boy became a legend under the Jaipur lights.