13 year-old cricketer Suryavanshi has the potential to emerge as India’s newest T20 batting star
13 year-old cricketer Suryavanshi has the potential to emerge as India's newest T20 batting star
A 13-year-old from Bihar, a northern state in India, is poised to become the next T20 batting star. In the recent IPL auction, Rajasthan Royals acquired him for $130,000 in the recent Indian Premier League mega auction.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, hailing from the eastern state of Bihar, was acquired by Rajasthan Royals (RR) for $130,500 during the recent auctions held in Saudi Arabia. The 13-year-old has now made history as the youngest player to secure a contract in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the richest cricket tournament in the world.
RR recognized the raw potential he possessed during a training session.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi gained attention last month when he hit a remarkable century against Australia’s Under-19 team, reaching 104 runs off only 58 balls before being dismissed.
The left-handed batsman has played for his state in national tournaments, including the Ranji and Mushtaq Ali trophies, and has also represented India in Under-19 international matches.
Indian laws prohibit child labor for those under 14, but experts point out that there are no similar regulations in sports, allowing athletes under 14 to participate in national and international competitions regularly.
Sanjiv Suryavanshi, Vaibhav’s father, says “He is no longer just my son; he is now a son of Bihar. “I will talk to him and make sure that this IPL auction doesn’t go to his head. He still has a long way to go.”
Suryavanshi’s father, originally a farmer from Bihar, moved to Mumbai in search of work and took on jobs as a nightclub bouncer and at a public toilet, as reported by the Indian Express newspaper.
Suryavanshi began his journey in the domestic Ranji Trophy red-ball competition at the young age of 12 in January. By September, he represented India’s Under-19 team against Australia, impressively scoring a century off just 58 balls.
Additionally, he achieved a remarkable triple-century in a local tournament in Bihar. Recently, he shared with cricket website ESPNCricinfo that he looks up to the legendary West Indian left-hander Brian Lara as his idol.
