Yusuf Pathan Lauds IPL’s Youngest Centurion Vaibhav Suryavanshi in Heartfelt Note
In a breathtaking display of talent and composure, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi etched his name into the annals of cricket history by becoming the youngest centurion in IPL history during Rajasthan Royals’ dominant eight-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans on Monday in New Delhi. This prodigy from Samastipur, Bihar, not only shattered records but also earned heartfelt praise from former Indian all-rounder Yusuf Pathan, whose long-standing record he surpassed.
Suryavanshi’s whirlwind innings of 101 runs off just 38 balls, studded with 11 towering sixes and seven crisp fours, came at the tender age of 14 years and 32 days. Chasing a formidable target of 210 on a batting-friendly pitch, Rajasthan Royals raced to 212 for two in a mere 15.5 overs, with Suryavanshi leading the charge and Yashasvi Jaiswal providing unwavering support with an unbeaten 70 off 40 balls.
What makes this feat even more extraordinary is the sheer pace of Suryavanshi’s knock. His century, achieved in just 35 balls, is the second-fastest in IPL history, only behind the legendary Chris Gayle’s 30-ball ton for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Pune Warriors in 2013. More significantly, Suryavanshi eclipsed Yusuf Pathan’s record for the fastest IPL century by an Indian, a mark set in 2010 when Pathan scored a ton off 37 balls for Rajasthan Royals against Mumbai Indians.
Beyond the IPL, Suryavanshi’s achievement also makes him the youngest player to score a century in men’s T20 cricket, signaling the arrival of a generational talent. His fearless strokeplay and ability to dominate seasoned bowlers have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s biggest hitters, despite his tender age.
Moved by the youngster’s heroics, Yusuf Pathan took to social media to extend his congratulations, reflecting on the poetic connection of both records being set while donning the pink of Rajasthan Royals. ‘Many congratulations to young #VaibhavSuryavanshi for breaking my record of the fastest @IPL hundred by an Indian! Even more special to see it happen while playing for @rajasthanroyals, just like I did. There’s truly something magical about this franchise for youngsters. Long way to go, champ!’ Pathan wrote.
This season has already witnessed blistering performances from young Indian batsmen, with Punjab Kings’ opener Priyansh Arya smashing a 39-ballcentury against Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Abhishek Sharma registering a 40-ball ton against Punjab Kings. Yet, Suryavanshi’s record-breaking knock stands out, not just for its speed but for the maturity he displayed under pressure.
As the cricketing world buzzes with excitement over this new star, questions arise about how Rajasthan Royals and Indian cricket will nurture this rare talent. With a long road ahead, Suryavanshi has already shown he possesses the grit and flair to redefine T20 batting. For now, though, the spotlight remains on his historic night—a night where a 14-year-old boy reminded us why cricket continues to be a game of surprises and limitless potential.