NEW DELHI: In a moment that captured hearts across the cricketing world, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s dream IPL debut ended in tears -- literally. The Rajasthan Royals’ prodigy, playing his first-ever IPL match at just 14 years and 28 days old, lit up the Jaipur evening with an audacious 34 off 20 balls before being stumped by Rishabh Pant off Aiden Markram’s crafty off-spin.
Opening alongside the ever-aggressive Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav wasted no time announcing himself. A clean six off Shardul Thakur set the tone, followed by a breathtaking first-ball six off Avesh Khan in the next over, placing him on a rare list of players to hit a six on their first IPL delivery. The young left-hander showed both flair and nerves of steel, taking on international-quality bowlers with ease, and sharing a brisk opening stand with Jaiswal.
But as cricket has it, glory and heartbreak often walk hand in hand. In the 9th over, trying to dance down the track and work the ball into the leg side, Vaibhav lost his balance and Pant, ever alert, whipped the bails off in a flash. The TV replay confirmed the inevitable: his back foot was in the air. What followed was a gut-wrenching scene: the teenager couldn’t hold back his emotions as he walked off the field, wiping away tears.
Watch: Vaibhav Suryavanshi may have exited with tears, but he left the field having etched his name in IPL folklore. For Rajasthan Royals and Indian cricket fans, this isn’t just a debut. It appears to be the beginning of something extraordinary.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, at 14 years and 23 days old, made history on April 19, 2025, becoming the youngest player to ever play in an IPL match during the match between Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants. He is also the first player born after the IPL began 18 years ago to feature in a match in the league, breaking the record of Prayas Ray Burman who made his debut for RCB in 2019 at the age of 16.
Born on March 27, 2011, in Bihar’s Tajpur village, Vaibhav was raised in a family of farmers and began playing cricket at the tender age of 9. He made his debut for Bihar at just 12 years old in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, where he scored 400 runs in 5 games. He made his first-class debut for Bihar in the Ranji Trophy 2023 at 12 years and 283 days old, becoming the youngest player to play in the Ranji Trophy since 1986 and the second youngest to play for Bihar.
Overall, he was the fourth youngest player to play the Ranji Trophy. He also made his India U-19 debut in a youth Test match against Australia in Chennai, where he slammed a stunning 64-ball century. Furthermore, he was part of the India squad in the U-19 Asia Cup held last year.
At the age of just 13, he was roped in for Rs 1.10 crore by Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 auction, thus becoming the youngest-ever player to be bought in the IPL auction. His remarkable journey from a small village to the grand stage of the IPL is a testament to his talent and determination.
As the Rajasthan Royals faced Lucknow Super Giants at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, the stakes were high. The Royals were looking to break their losing streak, having come into the game with just two wins in seven matches, lying in the 8th position on the points table. To add insult to their injury, captain Sanju Samson was not playing, leaving stand-in captain Riyan Parag to lead the team.
Despite the ups and downs of the match, Suryavanshi's debut was the highlight of the evening. His performance, though cut short, showcased the potential of a young cricketer who has already made history. Fans and analysts alike are now eager to see what the future holds for this prodigy.
Vaibhav's emotional exit from the field resonated deeply with many, as it reminded everyone that cricket is not just about runs and wickets, but also about the dreams and aspirations of young players. The tears he shed were not just of disappointment but of a realization that he has taken a significant step in his cricketing journey.
With the IPL season still unfolding, Vaibhav Suryavanshi's debut has set the stage for what could be an extraordinary career. As he continues to develop his skills and gain experience, cricket fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on this young talent, hoping to witness more memorable performances in the years to come.
For Rajasthan Royals and their supporters, Vaibhav's debut is a beacon of hope. As they look to turn their season around, they can take solace in the fact that they have a budding star in their ranks, one who has already begun to make history before even hitting his teenage years.
The cricketing world is abuzz with excitement as they anticipate more from this young sensation. Will he become a regular feature in the IPL? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Vaibhav Suryavanshi has already made his mark, and the journey has just begun.
