Thirteen-year-old Indian cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi etched his name in history on Monday by becoming the youngest player ever to be picked in an Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. The Rajasthan Royals acquired the young prodigy for ₹1.10 crore following an intense bidding war with the Delhi Capitals, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the eighth-standard student from Bihar’s Samastipur.
Rahul Dravid, head coach of the Rajasthan Royals, expressed confidence in providing Suryavanshi with a nurturing environment as he embarks on his IPL journey. “We are committed to creating the right conditions for him to develop as a player and person,” Dravid said, reflecting the franchise’s dedication to supporting emerging talent.
Vaibhav’s journey to the IPL is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the relentless efforts of his father, Sanjeev Suryavanshi. Once a passionate cricketer himself, Sanjeev faced setbacks in achieving national success. However, he channelled his aspirations into his son, becoming his first coach and guiding him every step of the way.
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Vaibhav’s cricketing story began at the age of five when he started playing with a tennis ball near their home. Recognizing his potential, Sanjeev enrolled him in the Samastipur Sports Academy two years later, where coach Brijesh Jha refined his skills. Despite financial struggles, Sanjeev made weekly trips to Patna on his scooter to ensure Vaibhav received professional training.
Watch | Proud dad of 13-year-old #VaibhavSuryavanshi reacts to #IPL contracthttps://t.co/9lr0K2OXoc pic.twitter.com/NtmylFFK8Q
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) November 26, 2024
The breakthrough came when Rakesh Tiwari, President of the Bihar Cricket Association, recognized Vaibhav’s talent, fast-tracking his entry into state-level cricket. Vaibhav didn’t disappoint, delivering standout performances in tournaments like Challenger Khel and India Khel, which eventually earned him a spot in the Indian Under-19 team.
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Currently in Dubai representing India in the Asia Cup, Vaibhav’s selection for IPL 2025 adds another milestone to his remarkable journey. Speaking to Local 18, Sanjeev shared, “This is a proud moment not just for our family but for the entire town of Samastipur. Vaibhav’s journey has just begun, and we believe the IPL will propel him to even greater heights.”
As the young cricketer prepares to showcase his talent on the grandest stage, his inspiring story resonates as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes across the nation.
