On a memorable Monday evening in Jaipur, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi carved his name into cricket history, becoming the youngest ever centurion in men’s T20 cricket. His blistering 35-ball hundred against Gujarat Titans wasn’t just a personal milestone—it powered Rajasthan Royals to a commanding eight-wicket win and sent waves of celebration rippling through his hometown of Samastipur, Bihar. Firecrackers lit the skies as neighbours rejoiced, turning the quiet town into a festival ground overnight.

For Vaibhav’s family, especially his father Sanjeev Suryavanshi, the moment was deeply emotional. “Diwali came six months early,” Sanjeev said, beaming with pride.

Much like the story of Shubman Gill, whom Vaibhav idolises, his journey began in his backyard—quite literally. Inspired by Gill’s early days, Sanjeev built a cement pitch at home to nurture his son’s talent. A former cricket enthusiast himself, he poured his unfulfilled dreams into shaping Vaibhav’s future, step by step.

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Vaibhav’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. His development was carefully guided by top mentors at the National Cricket Academy, with VVS Laxman overseeing his progress for two years. Now, under the watchful eyes of Rahul Dravid at Rajasthan Royals, the teenager continues to evolve. “Laxman sir guided him well, and now Dravid sir is shaping him further,” revealed his coach Manish Ojha.

Suryavanshi’s father emotional, expresses gratitude to BCA and Rahul Dravid#RahulDravid #vaibhavsuryavanshi #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/K7ARHb81PM

— Deccan Chronicle (@DeccanChronicle) April 29, 2025

Signed by the Royals at just 13, Vaibhav has caught everyone’s eye with his technical brilliance and composure beyond his years. Rajasthan Royals’ batting coach Vikram Rathour praised his ability to generate power through a textbook downswing, calling him a “special, special talent.”

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The Royals’ think tank—Dravid, Rathour, and Zubin Bharucha—have all played a role in refining his game. Sanjeev acknowledged their contribution wholeheartedly: “Yes, he worked hard, but the Royals nurtured him. They believed in him.”

With his century now etched in IPL history, Vaibhav’s journey is only beginning. And back in Samastipur, that cement pitch remains a quiet symbol of a dream fuelled by sacrifice, mentorship, and a boy’s unshakable belief in hi

s abilities.