Vaibhav Suryavanshi: Indian teenager becomes youngest to score IPL T20 hundred

Indian batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest player to hit a senior T20 century at just14 years and 32 days on Monday.

 

The teenager had already made history in November 2024 when, at the age of 13, he became the youngest ever player to be sold at the Indian Premier League's (IPL) annual auction, where teams compete to sign players.

 

Records tumble
 

On April 19, Suryavanshi made his IPL debut for the Rajasthan Royals — making him the youngest player to feature in the tournament — and announced himself in style as he hit a six off the first ball he faced.

 

Nine days later, he broke several records as he scored the second-fastest hundred in the competition's history, requiring just 35 balls to reach the milestone. 

 

"It feels really good," Suryavanshi said. "It is like a dream to score a century in the IPL. What I've been practicing for the last three, four months, the result is showing."

 

"I just see the ball and play. It has been a dream to get a 100 in the IPL and today it materialised. There is no fear. I don't think much, I just focus on playing."

 

He earned a deal in lucrative T20 tournament last November, when he was sold for 1.10 crore rupees (roughly €125,000) to the Royals for the eight-week competition.

 

In only his third match of the IPL, he shared a 166-run opening stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal, 70 not out off 40 balls, en route to his score of 101.

 

Indian stars react to Suryavanshi's heroics
 

A number of former Indian cricket stars reacted with delight to Suryavanshi's innings, with former captain and India legend Sachin Tendulkar praising the teenager's all-round style.

 

"Vaibhav’s fearless approach, bat speed, picking the length early, and transferring the energy behind the ball was the recipe behind a fabulous innings. End result: 101 runs off 38 balls. Well played!!" Sachin wrote in a post on X.

 

Meanwhile, Yuvraj Singh highlighted Suryavanshi's ability to take down some of the best bowlers in the world during his knock.

 

"What were you doing at 14?!! This kid is taking on the best bowlers in the world without blinking an eyelid! Vaibhav Suryavanshi — remember the name! Playing with a fearless attitude. Proud to see the next generation shine!" Yuvraj wrote on X.

 

Former cricketer and 1983 Indian World Cup winner Kris Srikkanth also gave his reactions. "At 14, most kids dream & eat ice cream. Vaibhav Suryavamshi delivers a fabulous 100 against one of the contenders for IPl! composure, class, and courage beyond his years. We are witnessing the rise of a phenom. Indian cricket’s next superstar is here!"

 

Meanwhile, Yusuf Pathan, whose record for the fastest IPL hundred by an Indian player Suryavanshi broke, also reacted to the youngster's achievement.

 

"Many congratulations to young #VaibhavSuryavanshi 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. There’s truly something magical."