14-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Blazing Century Wins Praise from Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar
In a breathtaking display of raw talent and audacity, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi lit up the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Monday evening, smashing a whirlwind 35-ball century for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The teenage sensation’s explosive innings not only left spectators in awe but also drew unstinted praise from one of cricket’s greatest icons, Sachin Tendulkar.
The moment was electric. Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid, visibly moved by the young prodigy’s performance, leapt out of his seat in sheer excitement as Vaibhav reached the three-figure mark. Sources reveal that it was VVS Laxman, head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), who first spotted Vaibhav’s potential and recommended him to Dravid. For the past two years, Laxman has closely monitored the teenager’s progress, and now Dravid has taken him under his wing, personally guiding the enhancement of his game.
Vaibhav’s fearless approach has now captured the attention of Tendulkar, himself a child prodigy who debuted for India at just 16. Taking to social media platform X, Tendulkar lauded the youngster’s technique and temperament, writing, “Vaibhav’s fearless approach, bat speed, picking the length early, and transferring the energy behind the ball was the recipe behind a fabulous innings. End result: 101 runs off 38 balls. Well played!!” Tendulkar’s words are a testament to Vaibhav’s extraordinary ability to dominate bowlers despite his tender age.
This century isn’t just a personal milestone for Vaibhav—it’s a historic one. His 35-ball ton surpassed Yusuf Pathan’s record of a 37-ball century for Rajasthan Royals against Mumbai Indians in 2010, making it the fastest century by an Indian in IPL history. The record-breaking knock included a staggering 12 fours and 5 sixes, showcasing his ability to blend aggression with precision.
Vaibhav’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of extraordinary. At the age of 13, he became the youngest player ever to earn an IPL contract, a feat that turned heads in the cricketing world. He made his IPL debut earlier this month, announcing his arrival in sensational style by smashing a six off the very first ball he faced. Prior to his IPL exploits, Vaibhav had already made waves in domestic cricket, representing Bihar in the Ranji Trophy at just 12 years old. Internationally, he’s also shone brightly, scoring a 58-ball century for India’s Under-19 team against Australia recently.
Born in Motihari, Bihar, Vaibhav comes from humble beginnings, often training in makeshift facilities before being scouted by the NCA. His meteoric rise is a story of grit and determination, supported by a family that believed in his dreams. Coaches describe him as a quick learner with an insatiable hunger for runs, qualities that have fast-tracked him into the spotlight of Indian cricket.
As Vaibhav Suryavanshi continues to rewrite record books, the cricketing fraternity is buzzing with excitement about what lies ahead for this young dynamo. With mentors like Dravid and endorsements from legends like Tendulkar, the sky seems to be the limit for this 14-year-old. Will he become the next big thing in Indian cricket? Only time will tell, but for now, Vaibhav has firmly etched his name in the annals of IPL history.