Vaibhav Suryavanshi , The Youngest IPL Crorepati : Indian cricket has witnessed a groundbreaking moment, as the 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi – becoming the youngest boy ever sold in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. The Rajasthan Royals signed up the Bihar-born prodigy for ₹1.1 crore in the IPL auction held in Jeddah on Monday. While his meteoric rise is being celebrated, allegations of age fraud have flared up questioning if the young batsman is after all 15 years of age and not the declared 13 years and 288 days.
The Age Controversy
Vaibhav’s father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, has defended himself against the accusations, standing firmly by his declared age with him and saying they had nothing to hide. Speaking to PTI, he revealed that Vaibhav had gone through a BCCI bone age test at 8 and half years and was more than ready for his son to go for further tests to dispel any doubts.
“When he was 8 and a half years old, he first appeared for a BCCI bone test. He has already played for India U-19. We don‘t fear anyone. He can undergo another age test if required,” Sanjiv said.
He also shared details about Vaibhav’s cricketing career life, telling how his son performed at the U-16 district trials when he was eight years old. “I used to drop him to Samastipur for his cricket coaching and then bring him back. The journey has been one of hard work and sincerity.”
Rajasthan Royals‘ Selection
Vaibhav‘s show during Rajasthan Royals‘ trials in Nagpur did the trick for him in going into the IPL. Sanjiv claims that Rajasthan‘s batting coach Vikram Rathour presented a seemingly tough match scenario to the young cricketer: score 17 runs in an over.
“Bituwa (Vaibhav) ne 3 chakka mara (he hit three sixes). During the trials, he smashed eight sixes and four boundaries,” Sanjiv recalled, beaming with pride.
The Royals‘ decision to support Vaibhav has drawn much attention to the franchise, with fans praising the belief of the organization in the young talent, despite his age being questioned.
A Record-Breaking Start
Vaibhav Suryavanshi cricketing resume is already stuff of dreams.
At a mere 12 years and 284 days, he proved his might to be the youngest ever to play in Ranji Trophy against Mumbai during the 2023-24 season.
For perspective, legends like Yuvraj Singh and Sachin Tendulkar made their debuts at 15 years and 57 days, and 15 years and 230 days, respectively. So Vaibhav‘s achievements have catapulted him to elite company.
The crowning moment was during the Youth Test series against Australia, where he smashed 104 runs off just 62 balls in Chennai. The knock showed him all-rounder maturity and composure at the crease, besides making him the youngest centurion in the 170-year history of competitive cricket, aged 13 years and 188 days.
Additionally, Vaibhav is also on record as the fastest Indian to score a century at the youth level. The blistering 58-ball hundred by Vaibhav features only behind England‘s Moeen Ali, who had scored the milestone at the same level in 56 balls.
The Future Ahead
The controversy surrounding Vaibhav’s age has inevitably drawn parallels to previous incidents in Indian cricket. However, his father’s openness to further testing and the confidence shown by Rajasthan Royals are signs that his journey will not be derailed by these allegations.
Grit and exceptional talent characterize Vaibhav’s life story. Hailing from Samastipur, a small town in Bihar, he has perplexed the odds to score successes that most seasoned cricketers only dream of. From smashing boundaries in domestic matches to becoming the youngest IPL crorepati, his successes speak about his sheer potential.
As the IPL season approaches, all eyes will be on Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The young batsman will not just be going there to see if he lives up to expectations but also whether he can handle the intense scrutiny accompanying a spot in one of the world‘s most competitive cricket leagues.
Conclusion
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s journey is a mix of triumph and controversy. While questions about his age persist, the undeniable talent he has displayed on the cricketing field sets him apart. Whether he’s 13 or 15, Vaibhav’s skills and records speak volumes about his future in cricket.
For now, though, as he prepares to wear the Rajasthan Royals jersey, the cricketing world waits in anticipation of whether the youngest of IPL‘s crorepati can translate the extraordinary potential into long-term feats on the ground.