It’s not every day you hear about a 12-year-old making history in a tournament as prestigious as the Ranji Trophy. But in 2024, that’s exactly what happened. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a young boy with a hunger for cricket, walked onto the field not as a mascot or ball boy, but as a player. And not just any player – he became the youngest debutant in the history of the Ranji Trophy, an achievement that left everyone in awe.
Vaibhav’s love for cricket started early. Growing up, he was known for his remarkable skills that seemed too mature for his age. Coaches saw something special in him right from the start, and before long, he was playing in age-group cricket. It didn’t take long for him to rise through the ranks, and soon, he found himself representing Bihar in the senior domestic circuit. His composure under pressure, his flawless technique, and his ability to handle intense situations made him stand out. He wasn’t just playing for the sake of it; he was playing with the kind of maturity that could rival cricketers much older than him.
His list of records grew quickly. He became the youngest player to represent Bihar in List A cricket, breaking new ground every time he stepped onto the field. Then came a milestone that stunned everyone – Vaibhav scored a half-century in List A cricket, making him the youngest Indian to do so. This wasn’t just a lucky knock; it was proof of his ability to thrive in high-pressure moments, to perform when the stakes were high.
But the most jaw-dropping moment of all came in a Youth Test against Australia’s U-19 team. Imagine facing some of the best bowlers at that age and scoring a century in just 58 balls. That’s exactly what Vaibhav did, becoming the fastest Indian to score a century in Youth Tests. Not only was it the fastest century by an Indian, but it also placed him second on the all-time list, just behind Moeen Ali. It was an innings that showcased his ability to balance aggression with smart shot selection, all while keeping his cool under pressure.
Then came the IPL 2025 auction – and Vaibhav made history once again. At just 12 years old, he was shortlisted for the auction, becoming the youngest player ever to be part of it. And if that wasn’t enough, Rajasthan Royals saw his immense potential and signed him for INR 1.1 crore. For a young cricketer to earn a contract in the IPL is no small feat, and it was clear that the Rajasthan Royals saw the same potential that had impressed everyone so far. While we can’t predict how much playing time Vaibhav will get in the IPL, the experience of being in the squad, training with some of the best players in the world, and learning from top coaches will be priceless for his development.
Looking ahead, Vaibhav’s journey has just begun. He’s only 12, but the world is watching. The road to greatness won’t be easy, but with his talent, his calm demeanor, and his relentless drive, there’s no doubt he’s going to make waves in the cricketing world. For now, the focus is on developing consistency and adapting to the pressures of different formats. But one thing’s for sure – Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s rise has only just begun, and fans are eagerly waiting to see what comes next.
