Vaibhav Suryavanshi — born on 27 March 2011 in Samastipur, Bihar — is a left-handed top-order batsman and part-time slow left-arm orthodox bowler.
In 2025, he signed with the Rajasthan Royals, becoming the youngest player ever to secure a contract in the Indian Premier League.
Later that season, he rose to wider prominence by scoring a century in just 35 balls — the fastest IPL hundred by an Indian and the quickest ever by a player his age.
The innings made him the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket and confirmed his status as one of the most precocious talents in the sport.
Rise and early milestones
Vaibhav Suryavanshi first made national headlines in early 2024, when he debuted for Bihar in the Ranji Trophy at 12 years and 284 days — among the youngest in the competition’s history.
He underlined his talent later that year with a 58-ball century on debut for India Under-19s against Australia, the fastest by an Indian at that level.
His precocity drew the attention of IPL franchises. In November 2024, Rajasthan Royals signed him for ₹1.10 crore, making him the youngest player to earn an IPL contract. The franchise cited his youth-Test century and fluency in stroke-play as key factors behind the decision.
IPL 2025: Records and breakout moments
Suryavanshi made his IPL debut on 19 April 2025, aged 14 years and 23 days, opening with Yashasvi Jaiswal for Rajasthan Royals against Lucknow Super Giants. He hit his first ball for six.
Nine days later, he scored 101 off 38 balls against Gujarat Titans, reaching his hundred in just 35 deliveries. It was the fastest IPL century by an Indian and the second-fastest overall. He also became the youngest man to score a T20 century.
The innings prompted comparisons with prodigious talents of earlier eras, and former players hailed him as a once-in-a-generation striker emerging from India’s youth ranks.
Domestic and age-group cricket
While the IPL brought national exposure, Suryavanshi continued to flit between senior and age-group cricket. He featured prominently for India Under-19s in 2024 and became the youngest Indian to appear in a List-A match during the 2024–25 Vijay Hazare Trophy.
In October 2025, Bihar named him vice-captain for the opening two rounds of the Ranji Trophy — a notable vote of confidence in his leadership.
He responded with a 14 off 5 cameo in the season opener, sparking debate over strike rates in red-ball cricket.
Style and strengths
Batting: A left-hander with fast hands and early pick-up, Suryavanshi is comfortable playing on the up and has options all around the arc. His debut six — off the first ball — is now part of RR lore.
Bowling: A part-time slow left-armer, as noted in official profiles, but yet to make a mark with the ball.
Reception, scrutiny and the road ahead
His rise has been met with both admiration and scepticism. Some have marvelled at his power and composure; others have questioned the veracity of his age, pointing to his physical maturity against established bowlers. Managing his workload and tailoring his development by format will be key in 2025–26. His responsibilities span the IPL, domestic cricket with Bihar, and age-group duties with India Under-19s. How these are balanced may shape the next phase of his career.
