Meet Vaibhav Suryavanshi: Teen Cricket Star, Family’s Sacrifices & The Truth Behind Age Controversy
Vaibhav Suryavanshi became a household name overnight after scoring a breathtaking century in an IPL match between Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans. At just 14, he’s already being called the future of Indian cricket.
Let’s take a closer look at the young star’s journey, his family’s sacrifices, the age-fraud controversy, and the cricketing legend he looks up to.
Who is Vaibhav Suryavanshi?
- Full Name: Vaibhav Suryavanshi
- Date of Birth: March 27, 2011
- Role: Left-handed Batter
- Teams: Bihar, India U-19, Rajasthan Royals
- IPL Salary: ₹1.1 crore
Debuts:
- First-Class: Jan 5, 2024 (vs Mumbai)
- List A: Dec 21, 2024 (vs Madhya Pradesh)
- T20: Nov 23, 2024 (vs Kerala)
- IPL: Apr 19, 2025 (vs Lucknow Super Giants)
A Dream Backed by Family’s Dedication
Vaibhav’s journey hasn’t been his alone. His entire family has played a key role in helping him chase his cricket dream.
In an interview with IPLT20.com, he shared how his mother used to wake up at 2 AM to prepare food for him before his early morning practice sessions. His father left his job to focus entirely on Vaibhav’s training, driving him to practice every day. Meanwhile, his elder brother stepped in to manage the father’s responsibilities at work.
Interestingly, Vaibhav’s father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, was once an aspiring cricketer himself. To support his son's dream, he even sold his farmland to fund his training and expenses.
Youngest Ever IPL Signing – And The Age Controversy
Vaibhav made headlines when Rajasthan Royals signed him at just 13 years old, making him the youngest player ever to get an IPL contract. But soon after, age-fraud allegations began surfacing online. Many claimed he was actually 15.
Former Pakistani pacer Junaid Khan added fuel to the fire, questioning how a 13-year-old could hit such massive sixes after seeing a clip from the U-19 Asia Cup.
In response, Vaibhav’s father offered proof and was ready to let his son undergo another age test. “He had already taken a BCCI bone test at 8 and a half. We don’t fear anyone,” Sanjiv told PTI.
Cricketing Idol – Brian Lara
Vaibhav draws inspiration from none other than West Indies legend Brian Lara. Known for his flair and elegant strokeplay, Lara remains one of the most admired batters in the sport’s history.
"Brian Lara is my idol. I try to play like him but I also want to keep my natural style. There’s still a lot I want to improve," Vaibhav had shared during the U-19 Asia Cup.
Final Thoughts
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s story is more than just about cricket. It’s about passion, dedication, and the power of a supportive family. From battling doubts to breaking records, he’s on a path that could make him a major name in world cricket.
With his talent, humility, and the support of his loved ones, the future truly looks bright for this young cricket sensation.