“He really enjoys his cricket. That’s something that comes naturally to him’: Rahul Dravid

Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi has emerged as a cricketing sensation, capturing national attention with his explosive 101 off 38 balls for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans in the IPL. This remarkable innings, featuring 11 sixes and 7 fours, made him the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket and the second-fastest in IPL history, trailing only Chris Gayle’s 30-ball century. Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid praised Suryavanshi’s natural talent, highlighting his exceptional hand-eye coordination and bat speed. Dravid emphasized the importance of nurturing the young prodigy carefully, stating that while Suryavanshi possesses immense potential, he is still developing and requires protection from the pressures of sudden fame. ​ Suryavanshi’s journey began in Samastipur, Bihar, where he joined a cricket academy at age 9. He made his first-class debut at just 12 years and 284 days and was signed by Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.10 crore after impressing in trials. His meteoric rise has been lauded by cricket legends, including Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh, who see him as a once-in-a-generation talent. As Suryavanshi continues to develop, the cricketing world watches with anticipation, hopeful for a bright future ahead.​