Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Historic 35-Ball Century: A New Star Shines in IPL 2025
On April 28, 2025, at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium, a 14-year-old prodigy named Vaibhav Suryavanshi etched his name into cricket’s history books. Playing for Rajasthan Royals (RR) against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Suryavanshi smashed a breathtaking 101* off 36 balls, reaching his century in just 35 balls.
This performance not only secured an eight-wicket victory for RR but also shattered multiple records, announcing the arrival of a generational talent. This article delves into Suryavanshi’s background, his meteoric rise, the historic match, the records he broke, and his journey in the IPL and beyond.
The Making of a Prodigy: Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Background
Born on March 27, 2011, in Tajpur village, Samastipur district, Bihar, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s cricketing journey began at the tender age of four. His father, Sanjeev, a farmer, recognized his son’s passion for cricket and built a small playing area in their backyard. To fund Vaibhav’s dreams, Sanjeev sold his farmland in Motipur, a sacrifice that would prove monumental.
At nine, Vaibhav joined a cricket academy in Samastipur, training under Manish Ojha, a former Ranji cricketer. His talent was evident early on, and by 12, he was dominating age-group cricket. In the 2023 Vinoo Mankad Trophy, representing Bihar’s U-19 side, he amassed around 400 runs in five matches, showcasing his extraordinary potential.
Suryavanshi’s domestic career took off in January 2024 when he made his first-class debut for Bihar against Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy at just 12 years and 284 days, becoming the second-youngest debutant for Bihar and the fourth-youngest overall in the tournament’s history. In November 2024, he debuted in T20 cricket for Bihar against Rajasthan at 13 years and 241 days, and in December 2024, he became the youngest Indian List A debutant in the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Madhya Pradesh at 13 years and 269 days.
His performances at the U-19 level further cemented his reputation. In September 2024, Suryavanshi scored a 58-ball century for India U-19 against Australia U-19 in a Youth Test, the fastest by an Indian in the format and the second-fastest in U-19 international cricket. At the 2024 ACC U-19 Asia Cup, he smashed 76 off 46 balls against UAE and 67 off 36 balls against Sri Lanka in the semi-final.
The IPL Journey: From Trials to Stardom
Rajasthan Royals spotted Suryavanshi’s potential early. Ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, RR invited him for trials in Nagpur, where he impressed batting coach Vikram Rathour by smashing three sixes in a match simulation requiring 17 runs in an over. After a bidding war with Delhi Capitals, RR secured Suryavanshi for INR 1.1 crore, making him the youngest player ever signed by an IPL franchise.
Suryavanshi made his IPL debut on April 19, 2025, against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at 14 years and 23 days, becoming the youngest debutant in IPL history and the first player born after the tournament’s inception in 2008.
He announced his arrival in style, smashing a six off Shardul Thakur on his first ball and scoring 34 off 20 balls (2 fours, 3 sixes) in a chase of 181, though RR fell short by two runs. In his second match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), he scored 16, showing glimpses of his potential but unable to convert his start.
The Historic Match: RR vs GT, April 28, 2025
The stage was set for Suryavanshi’s defining moment in Match 47 of IPL 2025. RR, languishing in eighth place with a five-match losing streak, faced a do-or-die clash against a formidable GT side. GT, led by Shubman Gill, posted a challenging 209/4, powered by Gill’s 84 off 50 balls (5 fours, 4 sixes), Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 50 off 26 balls (3 fours, 4 sixes), and Sai Sudharsan’s 39 off 30. Maheesh Theekshana was RR’s best bowler, taking 2/35.
Chasing 210, RR needed a miracle. Enter Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Opening alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 14-year-old took the attack to GT’s star-studded bowling line-up, including Mohammed Siraj, Ishant Sharma, Prasidh Krishna, Rashid Khan, and debutant Karim Janat. Suryavanshi set the tone early, lofting Siraj for a massive six over long-on off the second ball he faced. In the fourth over, he plundered 28 runs off Ishant Sharma, including three sixes and two fours, pushing RR past 50 inside four overs.
Suryavanshi reached his fifty in just 17 balls, the fastest of IPL 2025 and the youngest ever in the tournament, surpassing Riyan Parag’s record (17 years, 175 days). He smashed Washington Sundar for back-to-back sixes and a four to complete his half-century. In the 10th over, he tore into Janat for 30 runs (6, 4, 6, 4, 4, 6), and in the 11th over, he achieved immortality by pulling Rashid Khan, one of T20’s greatest bowlers, for a six over mid-wicket to bring up his century in 35 balls.
Suryavanshi finished with 101* off 36 balls, hitting 8 fours and 9 sixes at a strike rate of 280.55. His 166-run opening stand with Jaiswal (70* off 40) in 71 balls was RR’s highest partnership for any wicket in IPL history, surpassing Jos Buttler and Devdutt Padikkal’s 155 in 2022. RR chased 210 in 15.5 overs, the fastest 200-plus chase in IPL history, winning by eight wickets with 25 balls to spare. Riyan Parag sealed the victory with a six off Sundar.
Records Shattered by Suryavanshi
Suryavanshi’s knock was a record-breaking extravaganza, rewriting T20 and IPL history:
- Youngest T20 Centurion: At 14 years and 32 days, Suryavanshi became the youngest player to score a century in men’s T20 cricket, surpassing Vijay Zol (18 years, 118 days) from 2013.
- Fastest IPL Century by an Indian: His 35-ball hundred overtook Yusuf Pathan’s 37-ball record for RR against Mumbai Indians in 2010.
- Second-Fastest IPL Century Overall: Only Chris Gayle’s 30-ball ton for RCB in 2013 is quicker.
- Youngest IPL Centurion: Suryavanshi eclipsed Manish Pandey’s record (19 years, 253 days) from 2009.
- Youngest T20 Fifty: His 17-ball fifty broke Hassan Eisakhil’s record (15 years, 360 days) from 2022.
- Joint-Most Sixes by an Indian in an IPL Innings: His 11 sixes matched Murali Vijay’s tally from 2010.
- Highest Boundary Percentage in a T20 Century: 94 of his 101 runs came via boundaries (7 fours, 11 sixes), the highest proportion in men’s T20s, surpassing Abhishek Sharma’s 92.45% in 2024.
- Fastest 200-Plus Chase in IPL: RR’s chase in 15.5 overs was the quickest for a 200-plus target in men’s T20s.
- Youngest IPL Debutant: His debut on April 19, 2025, at 14 years and 23 days set this record.
- First-Ball Six on IPL Debut: Suryavanshi joined an elite group, including Andre Russell and Maheesh Theekshana, by hitting a six off his first IPL ball.
He also became the fourth RR batter to score a century in a successful chase, joining Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Suryavanshi was named Player of the Match, the youngest to receive the award in IPL history.
Impact and Reactions
Suryavanshi’s knock left the cricketing world in awe. The Jaipur crowd gave him a standing ovation, and RR head coach Rahul Dravid, despite being in a wheelchair, rose to applaud the teenager, creating an iconic moment. GT players, including Rashid Khan, congratulated him as he left the field.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, his opening partner, called it “one of the best innings I’ve seen,” hoping Suryavanshi would continue to shine for RR. At the post-match presentation, Suryavanshi said, “It is like a dream to score a century in the IPL. It feels really good. The results are showing for what I have been practicing for the last three to four months. I don’t see the ground so much, just focus on the ball.”
Social media erupted, with posts on X hailing his records. ESPNcricinfo called it “unbelievable,” while the IPL’s official handle tweeted, “Youngest to score a T20 100, Fastest TATA IPL hundred by an Indian, Second-fastest hundred in TATA IPL, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, TAKE. A. BOW.”
Context and Team Impact
RR’s victory was crucial, snapping a five-match losing streak and keeping their playoff hopes alive. With three wins in 10 matches and six points, they climbed to eighth in the points table, though their net run rate of -0.349 remained a concern. GT, despite the loss, stayed third with 12 points from nine matches.
Suryavanshi’s knock overshadowed strong performances from GT’s Gill and Buttler, who had set a formidable total. His ability to dominate seasoned bowlers like Siraj, Sharma, and Khan showcased his fearlessness and skill, traits evident since his debut.
Previous Matches and Context
Before the GT match, Suryavanshi had shown promise but hadn’t fully unleashed his potential. His debut 34 off 20 against LSG included an 85-run stand with Jaiswal, but RR’s loss highlighted their struggles in chases. His 16 against RCB was a quieter outing, but his aggressive intent was clear. RR’s five consecutive losses had put them on the brink, making Suryavanshi’s century a turning point.
Suryavanshi’s domestic and U-19 exploits provided context for his IPL heroics. His 58-ball U-19 Test century against Australia and a triple hundred in a local Bihar tournament at 13 hinted at his big-hitting prowess. His ability to perform against senior bowlers in domestic cricket translated seamlessly to the IPL stage.
The Road Ahead
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s 35-ball century is not just a record-breaking feat but a testament to his extraordinary talent and mental fortitude. At 14, he has already achieved what many cricketers dream of, and his journey is just beginning. RR’s investment in him, backed by their faith in young talent like Jaiswal and Parag, is paying dividends.
However, questions about his age have surfaced, with some doubting the authenticity of his official birth date (March 27, 2011). Regardless, his performances speak for themselves. As he continues to train alongside stars like Sanju Samson and Jaiswal, Suryavanshi has a platform to refine his game and potentially dominate world cricket for years to come.
Conclusion
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s 101* off 36 balls against Gujarat Titans on April 28, 2025, is a landmark moment in cricket history. The youngest T20 centurion, the fastest Indian IPL centurion, and a record-breaker in multiple categories, Suryavanshi has redefined what’s possible at 14. His journey from a village in Bihar to the IPL spotlight, fueled by his father’s sacrifices and his own relentless drive, is an inspiring tale. As Rajasthan Royals fight for a playoff spot, Suryavanshi’s star continues to rise, promising more unforgettable moments in the years ahead. Cricket has found its next superstar, and his name is Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
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