13-Year-Old Bihar Prodigy Sold to Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.1 Cr

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13-year-old cricketing sensation from Bihar, made history on Monday by becoming the youngest player ever sold in an Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. Rajasthan Royals secured the prodigy for ₹1.1 crore during Day 2 of the auction held in Jeddah, a record-breaking feat that has drawn nationwide attention.

At just 13 years and 288 days old, Suryavanshi has surpassed previous age records in IPL history. His father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, defended his son’s age against allegations that he might actually be 15, stating that Vaibhav had already undergone age verification tests conducted by the BCCI. Sanjiv expressed openness to further testing if required.

Suryavanshi’s cricketing journey has been marked by extraordinary achievements. He debuted in the Ranji Trophy at 12 years and 284 days, breaking records previously held by legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh. In a recent Under-19 Youth Test series against Australia, he smashed a 62-ball century, becoming the youngest centurion in competitive cricket history.

The young southpaw’s journey began in Samastipur, Bihar, where his talent was nurtured through rigorous training. His father sold land to support Vaibhav’s dream, and his coach described him as a dedicated player with a sharp cricketing mind. “He doesn’t rest even during breaks; his passion for the game is unparalleled,” said Bihar Ranji coach Pramod Kumar.

Rajasthan Royals picked Suryavanshi after he impressed in a trial by hitting three sixes in an over, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. The left-hander has also been a standout in domestic tournaments, including the Cooch Behar Trophy and the youth quadrangular series.

Suryavanshi’s rise highlights his resilience and talent, making him a beacon of hope for cricket in Bihar, a state often overshadowed by controversies in its cricket administration. With his IPL debut imminent, the young star is set to inspire a new generation of cricketers.