India’s latest cricketing sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, has taken the world by storm after becoming the youngest player ever signed in the Indian Premier League (IPL). At just 13 years old, the talented youngster was snapped up by Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.1 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction, solidifying his place as one of cricket’s most promising prospects.
Suryavanshi’s meteoric rise can be attributed to his exceptional performances in age-group cricket, including a stellar showing at the U19 Asia Cup. Despite his tender age, the left-handed batter has already displayed remarkable maturity and skill on the field, earning widespread praise. However, his success hasn’t been without controversy, as former Pakistan cricketer Junaid Khan recently voiced doubts about Suryavanshi’s reported age.
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In a social media post, Junaid Khan shared a video of Suryavanshi smashing a towering six and questioned, “Can a 13-year-old kid really hit such a long six?” This scepticism echoes the concerns of others who have raised questions about Suryavanshi’s age authenticity over the years.
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In response, Vaibhav’s father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, addressed the allegations, expressing unwavering confidence in his son’s documented age. “When he was eight and a half years old, he first appeared for a BCCI bone test. He has already played for India U-19. We don’t fear anyone. He can undergo an age test again,” Sanjiv told News24, dismissing the doubts with conviction.
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With the Rajasthan Royals now as his new home, Suryavanshi has an extraordinary opportunity to learn from seasoned stars like Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Whether or not he breaks into the playing XI this season, the young prodigy will undoubtedly benefit from the experience, honing his skills under the guidance of top-tier talent. For cricket fans, Vaibhav Suryavanshi represents the dawn of a new era, where raw talent can shine on the biggest stages regardless of age.
