Who Is Vaibhav Suryavanshi? 13-Year-Old Prodigy Picked by Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.10 Crore

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13-year-old cricket prodigy from Bihar, has made history by becoming the youngest-ever player to be bought at an Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. At the IPL 2025 Mega Auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Rajasthan Royals secured the teenager for ₹1.10 crore after an intense bidding war with Delhi Capitals. Born in 2011, Vaibhav displayed an extraordinary passion for cricket at the age of four. Recognizing his talent, his father, Sanjeev Suryavanshi, built a small practice area in their backyard to nurture his skills. By the time he was nine, Vaibhav had enrolled in a cricket academy in Samastipur, where his abilities quickly garnered attention.

Despite his young age, Vaibhav has achieved several remarkable milestones. At just 12 years old, he played in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, scoring 400 runs in five matches. His exceptional performances continued with a 58-ball century against the Australian U-19 team in a four-day youth Test in Chennai. In January 2024, Vaibhav made his first-class debut for Bihar in a Ranji Trophy match against Mumbai, becoming the youngest Indian to debut in first-class cricket since 1986.

Vaibhav has also represented India at the U-19 level, participating in a quadrangular series and matches against Bangladesh and England. These experiences have solidified his reputation as one of the most promising young cricketers in the country. Speaking about his journey, Vaibhav credited his coach, Manish Ojha, a former Ranji player, for shaping his career. "Whatever I am today, it’s because of Ojha sir and my family’s support," he said.

His IPL selection marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career, as Vaibhav prepares to compete at the highest level of domestic cricket. With consistent performances and unparalleled talent, this teenage sensation is set to become a star not only in the IPL but also on the global cricketing stage.