History was made at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur when Vaibhav Suryavanshi, just 14 years and 23 days old, became the youngest player ever to debut in the Indian Premier League. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenage sensation made an unforgettable first impression in their high-voltage clash against Lucknow Super Giants.

Replacing regular skipper Sanju Samson, Suryavanshi was brought in as an impact substitute during Rajasthan's chase of 181. And he made sure his first moment on the big stage would be etched in memory — launching Shardul Thakur for a six over extra cover off the very first ball he faced.

Even seasoned commentators were stunned. Shane Watson, calling the match, exclaimed,

"My word, what the hell was that?"
He went on to praise the rare ability of the teenager to power the ball through cover from the front foot — a shot many seasoned pros hesitate to take on.

Suryavanshi, who looks up to West Indies legend Brian Lara, went on to hammer two more sixes in a thrilling cameo. He scored 34 runs off 20 deliveries and stitched an 85-run opening partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal. While Rajasthan fell agonizingly short, losing by just two runs, Suryavanshi’s fiery knock stole the spotlight.

According to RR's spin coach Sairaj Bahutule,

“It was the right time to give him a chance. He’s been impressive in the nets, and his preparation showed today.”

Bahutule also highlighted the youngster’s maturity and fearless approach, saying,

“He’s got a 360-degree game. He’s bold, attacks the ball, and keeps it simple – watch the ball, hit the ball.”

Suryavanshi has been a rising star for a while. He was the youngest ever player to be picked at the IPL auction last November at just 13, when Rajasthan secured his services for ₹1.1 crore ($128,750), outbidding teams like Delhi Capitals.

This wasn’t his first taste of professional cricket either. Vaibhav had already featured in the Ranji Trophy at age 12, and impressed for India U-19 with a 58-ball century against Australia. His buzz began when he struck a triple century in a local tournament in Bihar, a feat that turned heads across the cricketing circuit.

Now, with his explosive IPL debut, fans and experts alike are eager to see how this prodigious talent shapes the future of Indian cricket. One thing’s certain — Vaibhav Suryavanshi has arrived.