Cricket fans across the globe witnessed a once-in-a-generation moment as Rajasthan Royals’ prodigious talent, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, etched his name into the record books by becoming the youngest player ever to score a century in men’s T20 cricket.
At just 14 years and a few weeks old, the left-handed batter displayed a rare mix of fearlessness and finesse in what is being hailed as one of the most electrifying knocks in IPL history.
Suryavanshi's blistering innings of 101 runs off just 38 balls was not only remarkable for its raw power but also for the history it created. He brought up his century with a thunderous six over deep mid-wicket off none other than Afghanistan’s spin wizard Rashid Khan, sealing his place as the fastest Indian to a T20 century and the second-fastest in IPL history, just behind the legendary Chris Gayle, who reached his ton in 30 balls back in 2013.
A Star Is Born in Jaipur
The atmosphere at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium was electric as fans erupted into celebration witnessing a teenage dream unfolding in real-time. Rajasthan Royals were chasing a formidable total of 210 runs set by Gujarat Titans. What initially appeared to be a daunting task was turned into a cakewalk thanks to Suryavanshi’s heroics.
Opening the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryavanshi went on a rampage, launching the Gujarat bowling attack to all parts of the ground. His partnership of 166 runs with Jaiswal laid the perfect foundation for Rajasthan’s commanding eight-wicket win. While Jaiswal remained unbeaten on a classy 70 off 40 balls, the night belonged to the youngster who seemed completely unfazed by the occasion or the quality of the opposition.
A Century of Courage and Class
Suryavanshi’s innings featured seven fours and a jaw-dropping 11 sixes, including one off the very first ball he faced—a confident statement that set the tone for what was to come. The fluency of his strokeplay, coupled with an unshakable temperament, belied his age. Each shot oozed confidence, and his fearlessness against elite bowlers like Rashid Khan and Mohammed Shami left fans and pundits alike in awe.
He finally fell for 101 off 38 deliveries, bowled while attempting yet another big shot, but by then, the match was well in Rajasthan’s grasp.
From Auction to Ascendancy
Suryavanshi’s rise to stardom is nothing short of cinematic. Picked up for ₹1.1 crore (approx. £103,789) in the previous year’s IPL auction, his selection raised eyebrows initially. But those who had seen him in age-group cricket knew this was no ordinary teenager.
He made his debut earlier in April, becoming the youngest-ever IPL player, and announced his arrival with a six off his first ball in the league. But few could have predicted the magnitude of his impact in such a short span.
A Much-Needed Win for Rajasthan
The victory not only brought joy to Rajasthan Royals’ fans but also ended a five-match losing streak, reviving the team’s slim hopes of reaching the knockout stages. The Royals, who had been slipping down the points table, needed a spark—and they found it in the most unexpected yet spectacular fashion.
Gujarat Titans: A Valiant but Vain Effort
For Gujarat Titans, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow despite solid performances from their top order. Shubman Gill led from the front with a fluent 84 off 50 balls, while former England captain Jos Buttler chipped in with an unbeaten 50 off just 26. Their total of 209 for 4 seemed competitive, if not winning, at the halfway mark.
However, Suryavanshi’s whirlwind knock defied the script entirely. With this loss, Gujarat slid to third place in the table, their net run-rate taking a hit in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested IPL season.
Breaking Records and Breaking Norms
In cricket, age is often a measure of experience, but Vaibhav Suryavanshi has just proved that talent and mindset can shatter those conventions. At 14, he has done what many seasoned players only dream of—score a T20 century on the biggest domestic stage in the world.
His achievement also puts a spotlight on the evolving landscape of Indian cricket, where talent pipelines are producing match-ready players at increasingly younger ages. Suryavanshi's success will no doubt inspire a new generation of cricketers who now believe that even the grandest stages of the sport are within reach.
Looking Ahead
While it's early days yet, and expectations must be managed, the emergence of Vaibhav Suryavanshi is a thrilling development for Indian cricket. His innings in Jaipur was not just a display of skill but a statement of intent—India's next cricketing sensation has arrived, and he’s only just begun.
If he continues on this trajectory, IPL 2025 might be remembered not just for great games and fierce rivalries, but as the tournament where a 14-year-old changed everything.
