In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi etched his name into the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) history, smashing a scintillating 38-ball century that propelled the Rajasthan Royals to a jaw-dropping 8-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Chasing a formidable target of 210 set by the Titans, the Royals needed a blistering start, and the young left-handed opener Suryavanshi, along with the in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal, provided just that. The duo unleashed a brutal assault on the Gujarat bowlers, posting a staggering 166-run opening partnership in just 11.5 overs, effectively taking the game away from the visitors.
Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player to debut in the IPL earlier this season, shattered multiple records during his whirlwind innings. He reached his half-century in a mere 17 balls, the fastest of IPL 2025 so far, before accelerating to his maiden IPL century in just 35 deliveries. This remarkable feat not only made him the youngest centurion in IPL history at the tender age of 14 years and 32 days but also the youngest ever to score a century in men’s T20 cricket. His 35-ball hundred is also the fastest by an Indian batsman in the IPL and the second-fastest overall, only behind Chris Gayle’s 30-ball blitz in 2013.
The fearless youngster’s innings was a spectacle of clean hitting, peppered with 7 boundaries and an incredible 11 sixes, demonstrating maturity and power that belied his age. He took a particular liking to Gujarat’s debutant bowler Karim Janat, plundering 30 runs in a single over. Even the seasoned Afghan spinner Rashid Khan wasn’t spared, as Suryavanshi smashed him for a six to reach his historic hundred.
While Suryavanshi was the undisputed star of the chase, Yashasvi Jaiswal played a crucial supporting role, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 70 off 40 balls. After Suryavanshi’s dismissal for a well-made 101 off 38 deliveries, stand-in captain Riyan Parag joined Jaiswal and provided the finishing touches with a quickfire 32 not out, including the winning six, as the Royals reached the target with 25 balls to spare.
Earlier in the evening, Gujarat Titans had posted a competitive total of 209/4, thanks to solid contributions from Shubman Gill (84) and Jos Buttler (50*). However, their efforts were overshadowed by the brilliance of the young Suryavanshi.
This emphatic victory comes as a much-needed boost for the Rajasthan Royals, who had suffered five consecutive losses prior to this match. Suryavanshi’s sensational knock not only secured a crucial win but also injected fresh hope into their campaign as they look to climb up the IPL standings.
Reactions to Suryavanshi’s Record-Breaking Innings:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: “He has batted an incredible innings, one of the best I have seen. He was incredible today. He played absolutely amazing shots; you can see he’s worked really hard in the nets. He has the game, he has the temperament and mentality, I wish him all the luck to do well.”
- Brajesh Jha (Suryavanshi’s childhood coach): “This is a matter of extreme joy…He has made everyone proud…The district is proud of his performance. He has made history…I, being his coach, am very proud of his performance.”
- Yusuf Pathan (Former IPL player who held the record for the fastest IPL century by an Indian): “Many congratulations to young Vaibhav Suryavanshi for breaking my record of the fastest IPL hundred by an Indian. Even more special to see it happen while playing for Rajasthan Royals, just like I did.”
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s extraordinary innings will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most captivating and record-breaking performances in the history of the IPL, marking the arrival of a new and exciting talent on the global cricket stage.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi: A Budding Star
Born on March 27, 2011, Vaibhav Suryavanshi hails from Samastipur, Bihar. His cricketing journey began at a young age, and his talent was evident early on. He made his first-class debut for Bihar in January 2024, becoming the second-youngest player to play in the Ranji Trophy for the state.
Prior to his IPL breakthrough, Suryavanshi had already made significant strides in his young career:
- Youngest IPL Debutant: He became the youngest player to debut in the IPL on April 19, 2025, at the age of 14 years and 23 days.
- Under-19 Success: He represented India Under-19, scoring a 58-ball century in an under-19 Test against Australia, the fastest for an Indian in that category and the second-fastest overall in under-19 international cricket.
- Domestic Record: He also holds the record for the youngest Indian to score a List A fifty, achieving the feat in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25.
- IPL Auction Sensation: In the IPL 2025 auction, he became the youngest player to be signed, with the Rajasthan Royals acquiring his services for a significant sum, highlighting his immense potential.
Suryavanshi’s rapid ascent in the cricketing world is a testament to his talent, hard work, and fearless approach to the game. His record-breaking century against the Gujarat Titans is not just a personal milestone but also a clear indication of the bright future that lies ahead for this young star.
