In a jaw-dropping display of power and poise, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi etched his name into cricketing history by becoming the youngest player ever to score a century in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenage prodigy lit up the stadium on Monday with a thunderous 101 off just 37 balls against Gujarat Titans.
Suryavanshi, who is just 14 years and 32 days old, reached his hundred in only 35 balls, smashing 11 sixes and 7 fours, registering the second-fastest century in IPL history and the fastest by any Indian in the league.
The overall record for the fastest IPL century still belongs to Chris Gayle, who scored a 30-ball century for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Pune Warriors in 2013. However, Suryavanshi now surpasses Yusuf Pathan’s record of the fastest IPL hundred by an Indian, which came off 37 balls for Rajasthan Royals in 2010.
The young right-hander’s incredible knock came in response to Gujarat Titans’ imposing total of 210. His fearless strokeplay and confident demeanor stunned the opposition and left fans in awe as he carried Rajasthan Royals to a dramatic chase.
Suryavanshi’s hundred also makes him the youngest player to score a century in men’s T20 cricket, breaking records that were previously unthinkable for someone so young. The innings is being hailed as one of the most remarkable moments in IPL history.
Earlier this season, IPL fans had already witnessed fast centuries from Punjab Kings’ Priyansh Arya (39 balls vs Chennai Super Kings) and India and Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma (40 balls vs Punjab Kings). But Suryavanshi’s effort, at just 14, has set a new benchmark.
Cricketing circles and fans worldwide are now abuzz with comparisons and excitement about what lies ahead for the young star. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has already announced a ₹10 lakh reward for the teenager, hailing him as a national sensation.
With this knock, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has not only made history but also launched what many believe will be one of the most exciting cricketing careers of this generation.