Vaibhav Suryavanshi—a 13-year-old cricket sensation from Motipur village near Samastipur, Bihar—made history by becoming the youngest player to get an IPL contract. The Rajasthan Royals picked him for ₹1.10 crore in an intense bidding war at the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This achievement put Vaibhav in the limelight, and he now stands as the first player younger than the IPL itself to be featured in the league.
The Journey from Bihar to IPL
Vaibhav’s cricketing journey traces back to his past. His father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, a small farmer and part-time journalist, sold their farmland just for his son’s dream. “He is not just my son now; he is the pride of Bihar,” said an emotional Sanjiv. Vaibhav showed his talents early on. At eight years old, he was shining at under-16 district trials. His father tirelessly ferried him between Samastipur and Patna for his training. At the age of 12, he became the youngest debutant in Ranji Trophy history and batted for Bihar in January 2024 against the Mumbai team.
Record-Breaking Performances
Vaibhav’s talent is not just restricted to his age. Earlier this year, he scored the fastest century by an Indian in Under-19 Tests, smashing a hundred off just 58 balls against Australia Under-19 at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. This performance made him the second-fastest youth Test centurion globally. The same year, he made 151 runs off 128 balls against Jharkhand in the Cooch Behar Trophy and participated in a quadrangular series featuring India U-19 A, India U-19 B, England U-19, and Bangladesh U-19.
IPL Trials and Rajasthan Royals Selection
He impressed the Rajasthan Royals during trials held in Nagpur, where he showcased his explosive batting capabilities. In a match simulation, he was given the task of scoring 17 runs in an over, and he smacked three sixes, sealing his slot. Now, under Rahul Dravid, who is their head coach, this young talent is all set to be nurtured by the Rajasthan Royals.
A Father’s Sacrifice and a Son’s Determination
Despite financial struggles, Vaibhav’s father never gave up on him. “It’s not just an investment; it’s a big one,” he said, explaining, “I even sold my land. We are still facing financial challenges.” Vaibhav’s hard work and his father’s sacrifices made this historic moment possible. Vaibhav has become a shining star for all of Bihar. Rakesh Tiwary, the president of the Bihar Cricket Association, is thrilled with his success. “His journey from Bihar to the IPL proves his talent, hard work, and determination,” he said.
Currently, Vaibhav is in Dubai, playing for India in the U-19 Asia Cup. He is set to play his first match against Pakistan on November 30. In the IPL, he will be guided by some of the best minds in Indian cricket. Vaibhav’s story is an inspiration for young cricketers across the country, showing that with dedication and hard work, dreams can come true.
Team Profile
- Freelance Journalist
- Nidhi Kasana is a dedicated journalist holding a bachelor's degree in journalism from the Delhi School of Journalism, University of Delhi. She possesses a strong command of the English language and a profound interest in international and political journalism. With an unwavering passion for uncovering the truth and amplifying diverse perspectives, Nidhi aims to make a significant impact in the field.
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