The Indian Premier League 2025 witnessed a historic moment on April 29, when 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi blazed his way into the record books. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenage sensation hammered a jaw-dropping 101 off just 38 balls against Gujarat Titans, making him the youngest player ever to score a T20 century. His innings not only stunned cricket fans around the world but also redefined expectations from young talents in the modern game.
A Night to Remember at Sawai Mansingh Stadium
The match took place at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, a venue that has hosted countless memorable moments in IPL history. Yet, Vaibhav’s explosive knock created an atmosphere that few had ever experienced before. Right from the first ball he faced, the young prodigy exuded confidence and fearlessness. He launched an immediate assault on Gujarat’s bowling attack, dispatching the opening pacers to all parts of the ground.
Vaibhav’s timing, placement, and shot selection made seasoned bowlers look ordinary. He showed no signs of nervousness, even when he faced experienced campaigners like Rashid Khan and Mohammed Shami. By the end of the powerplay, Rajasthan Royals had raced to 75 for 1, with Vaibhav contributing a blistering 62 runs.
The youngster brought up his half-century in just 18 balls, becoming the talk of the town instantly. However, he didn’t stop there. He accelerated further, showcasing a wide range of strokes — audacious scoops, textbook cover drives, fearless pulls, and towering sixes that cleared the boundary with ease.
Breaking the Records in Style
When Vaibhav reached the three-figure mark, he did so with a stunning six over deep midwicket. The entire stadium erupted. His teammates and support staff gave him a standing ovation. Even the Gujarat Titans players, visibly amazed, joined in the applause.
By scoring a century at just 14 years and 182 days, Vaibhav broke the long-standing record of Afghanistan’s Usman Ghani, who had scored a T20 international century at 17 years of age. In franchise cricket, he shattered the previous IPL record held by Manish Pandey, who scored a century at 19.
Moreover, Vaibhav’s 38-ball century ranked among the fastest in IPL history, equalling the feats of some of the league’s biggest names like AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle.
Humble Beginnings and Meteoric Rise
Vaibhav’s journey to this milestone stands as nothing short of inspirational. Hailing from a small town in Uttar Pradesh, he picked up a cricket bat at the age of five. Coaches quickly spotted his immense potential. His father, a former state-level cricketer, supported his dreams relentlessly, ensuring that finances never hindered his son’s aspirations.
Rajasthan Royals, known for backing young talents, identified Vaibhav through their grassroots scouting program two years ago. They enrolled him in the Royals’ high-performance academy, where he trained under some of the best coaches in India.
During the 2024 U-19 domestic season, Vaibhav smashed multiple records, forcing the Royals’ management to fast-track his development and eventually include him in their main IPL squad for 2025.
Despite his youth, Vaibhav carried the demeanor of a seasoned professional. In his debut match earlier this season, he showcased glimpses of his brilliance, but no one anticipated the magnitude of what he accomplished on April 29.
The Innings Breakdown
Vaibhav’s innings included 11 fours and 7 towering sixes. He displayed a remarkable sense of awareness, adapting his approach based on the bowler and field placements. Against pacers, he preferred aggressive pulls and lofted drives, while against spinners, he often used his feet to generate power and placement.
Every time Gujarat attempted to pull things back, Vaibhav countered with a flurry of boundaries. He didn’t just rely on brute force; he maneuvered the gaps with surgical precision, rotating the strike smartly when boundaries didn’t come.
Partnerships played a crucial role as well. He formed a 95-run stand with Jos Buttler, who willingly took a backseat and allowed the youngster to shine. Buttler later said in the post-match interview, “I have never seen anything like that in my career. Vaibhav is fearless and plays with a joy that inspires everyone around him.”
Reactions Pour In
The cricketing world reacted immediately to Vaibhav’s record-breaking feat. Legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers took to social media to congratulate him. Tendulkar wrote, “A star is born. Congratulations, Vaibhav! Cherish this moment and stay grounded.”
Virat Kohli praised the youngster’s temperament, tweeting, “Fearless and classy. Big things await you, Vaibhav!”
International media outlets also picked up the story. BBC Sport, ESPN Cricinfo, and Sky Sports all featured Vaibhav’s innings prominently, calling it “the dawn of a new era” in T20 cricket.
Rajasthan Royals’ Strategic Masterstroke
The Royals’ management must receive due credit for nurturing and backing such a young player on the grandest stage. Team director Kumar Sangakkara revealed in a press conference that they had carefully mapped out Vaibhav’s growth trajectory, ensuring that he played without fear and with the full support of the team.
“Age doesn’t matter if talent meets preparation,” Sangakkara said. “We trusted his ability, and tonight, he repaid that faith spectacularly.”
The Royals now see Vaibhav as a core part of their plans not just for this season but for the foreseeable future. His performance has rejuvenated the squad, giving them a new weapon as they aim for their second IPL title.
What Lies Ahead
The road ahead promises excitement and challenges for Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Cricket, especially at the top level, demands not just skill but also immense mental resilience. The youngster must stay grounded, manage expectations, and continue to evolve his game.
With proper mentorship and focus, Vaibhav could very well become one of the biggest names in world cricket over the next decade. India’s national selectors will undoubtedly monitor his progress closely. A call-up to the senior team may arrive sooner than anyone expected.
In the meantime, cricket fans will eagerly wait to watch more fireworks from the bat of this teenage wonder. If his historic innings against Gujarat Titans signals anything, it is that a new superstar has arrived — and he is here to stay.
