Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13-year-old cricket prodigy from Bihar, is making headlines as he prepares for the IPL 2025 mega auction.
His remarkable journey in cricket has captured the attention of fans and experts alike, positioning him as one of India’s most promising young talents.
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Early Life and Background
Born on March 27, 2011, in Tajpur village, Bihar, Vaibhav’s passion for cricket ignited at the tender age of four. His father, Sanjeev Suryavanshi, a farmer, recognized his son’s enthusiasm and created a small playing area in their backyard. This early support laid the foundation for Vaibhav’s cricketing aspirations.
At nine years old, he joined a local cricket academy in Samastipur, where he honed his skills under the guidance of former Ranji player Manish Ojha. Reflecting on his journey, Vaibhav stated, “Whatever I am today is because of him,” highlighting the importance of mentorship in his development.
Rising Through the Ranks
Vaibhav’s talent quickly became evident as he progressed through Bihar’s cricketing ranks. By the age of 12, he made his first-class debut in the Ranji Trophy, becoming the youngest Indian to do so since 1986. This debut came during a match against Mumbai in January 2024, where he played at just 12 years and 284 days old. His achievement placed him among an elite group of young cricketers, with only three others having debuted at a younger age.
In addition to his Ranji debut, Vaibhav excelled in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, scoring approximately 400 runs in five matches. His performance caught the eye of selectors and led to his inclusion in the India B U-19 team for a quadrangular series against teams from England and Bangladesh.
International Breakthrough
When Vaibhav made his debut for India U-19 in a youth Test match against Australia in September 2024, his international career took off. He made history by scoring a remarkable century off just 58 balls, setting a record for the fastest hundred by an Indian in youth Tests.This innings demonstrated his powerful batting style with five sixes and fourteen fours.
Despite facing some challenges, including modest first-class statistics 100 runs across ten innings with a highest score of 41 his temperament and skill have marked him as a player to watch. His inclusion in the IPL auction reflects franchises’ interest in nurturing raw talent rather than solely focusing on established statistics.
IPL Auction and Future Prospects
As the youngest player ever shortlisted for an IPL auction, Vaibhav is set to enter the spotlight on November 24-25, 2024, during the mega auction in Jeddah. With a base price of Rs 30 lakh, he stands out among 574 players vying for contracts from various franchises. Regardless of whether he secures a bid, his presence has already generated significant buzz within the cricket community.
The upcoming U-19 Asia Cup, where India will face Pakistan on November 30, will provide another platform for Vaibhav to showcase his skills on an international stage. With each performance, he continues to solidify his reputation as one of India’s most exciting young cricketers.
Conclusion
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s journey from a small village in Bihar to becoming a cricket sensation is nothing short of inspiring. As he prepares for crucial matches and the IPL auction, all eyes will be on this talented left-handed batter. With determination and talent guiding him, Vaibhav has the potential to become a significant figure in Indian cricket’s future landscape.
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