(Image source from: x.com/IPL)
Vaibhav Suryavanshi made headlines in IPL 2024 on Monday, showcasing his extraordinary skills as the 14-year-old cricketer scored a breathtaking half-century in just 17 balls for the Rajasthan Royals against the Gujarat Titans during an IPL 2025 match held in Jaipur. His remarkable batting included six sixes and three fours, earning him the title of the record holder for the fastest half-century of the IPL 2025 season. Suryavanshi particularly dominated Ishant Sharma's bowling, striking three sixes and two fours during the fourth over. His explosive performance led him to break three records: the 17-ball half-century is the quickest in IPL 2025, the fastest achieved against GT, and he now holds the distinction of being the youngest player to ever score a half-century in IPL history.
Earlier, on April 20, when he batted for Rajasthan Royals against the Lucknow Super Giants in an IPL 2025 match, Vaibhav Suryavanshi made history by becoming the youngest player to participate in the IPL. He commenced his innings by hitting a six on the very first ball he faced from Shardul Thakur. Continuing his aggressive play, he followed up with another six and a four off Avesh Khan in the second over. Sold to the Rajasthan Royals for Rs 1.10 crore during the IPL 2025 Mega Auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Suryavanshi sparked a bidding war that ultimately saw RR win out against the Delhi Capitals, who withdrew after the Royals upped their bid.
Born in 2011, Vaibhav displayed his cricketing aptitude from the age of four. His father, Sanjeev, recognized his enthusiasm and constructed a small playing area in their backyard. When Vaibhav turned nine, his father enrolled him in a cricket academy in the nearby town of Samastipur. Those around him quickly noted that Vaibhav's talent was far beyond his years. “After practicing for two and a half years there, I attended the Under-16 trials for the Vijay Merchant Trophy,” Vaibhav recounted in an interview with the Times of India. “I was on standby because of my age. Thankfully, I had the privilege of training under Manish Ojha sir, a former Ranji player, who has imparted invaluable knowledge to me. Everything I am today is thanks to him.”
At just 12 years old, Vaibhav participated in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy for Bihar, amassing approximately 400 runs in only five matches. His rapid ascent through the ranks in Bihar Cricket attracted attention and admiration from everyone he encountered.
