Vaibhav Suryavanshi: India’s 14-Year-Old Cricket Wonder Who’s Changing the Game — and the Rules
While most 14-year-olds are worrying about school exams or video games, Vaibhav Suryavanshi is out on the field rewriting cricketing history.
While most 14-year-olds are worrying about school exams or video games, Vaibhav Suryavanshi is out on the field rewriting cricketing history. From breaking records in Youth internationals to scoring a century in the Indian Premier League, the young batting prodigy from Bihar is turning the cricket world upside down — and raising serious questions about the age barriers in professional sport.
A Start That Could Fill a Career
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s 2025 season is the kind of stuff most cricketers dream of. In just a few months, he has:
- Scored a 78-ball century in a Youth Test against Australia U19
- Became the fastest Youth Test centurion on Australian soil
- Broke the Youth ODI record for most sixes
- Made his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals at just 14, scoring a 38-ball hundred
It’s rare for one player to break records in every format they touch. It’s nearly unheard of for that player to still be in school.
As reported by CricketMan2, Vaibhav’s innings of 113 off 86 balls against Australia U19 wasn’t just fast — it was fearless. With 9 boundaries and 8 sixes, he dominated pace and spin alike, showing maturity far beyond his age.
From Patna to the IPL: A Rise Like No Other
Vaibhav’s cricketing journey took a major leap when he was picked by Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025. At just 14, he scored 252 runs in 7 matches, including:
- A century off 38 balls
- A match-winning 50
- A consistent strike rate over 170
His bold strokeplay, especially against experienced international bowlers, proved he wasn’t just a future star — he was already a game-changer.
However, as highlighted by Cricbuzz, his inclusion also sparked controversy at the BCCI AGM. With most domestic leagues barring under-16 players, many officials questioned how a 14-year-old was allowed to participate in the IPL.
The Rulebook Dilemma: Should Age Matter More Than Talent?
The IPL’s eligibility rules state that an Indian U19 player can register for the auction if:
- They are under 19 on April 1 of the year
- They have played at least one First-Class or List A match
Since Vaibhav had already made his Ranji Trophy debut, he ticked both boxes. IPL CEO Hemang Amin confirmed that his participation followed the rules exactly.
But as Times of India reports, the issue isn’t just about rules — it’s about readiness. Some officials argue that pushing teenage cricketers too early into professional leagues could affect their physical and mental development.