The show-stealer in IPL 2024 on Monday became Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored a terrific rapid half-century off just 17 balls for the Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans at Jaipur. He displayed some terrific shot-making prowess, taking six sixes and three fours off the fastest half-century of IPL 2025 that year. With his unrelenting assault, in one over against Ishant Sharma, he hit three sixes and two fours.
This half-century gives Suryavanshi three records: fastest in IPL 2025, fastest against GT, and now the youngest-ever to score a fifty in the league. Earlier this season, he created history by becoming the youngest cricketer to play in the IPL on April 20 when he batted for the Rajasthan Royals against the Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur. He smashed a six off his very first ball faced from Shardul Thakur, and then also struck another six and four off Avesh Khan.
Suryavanshi, born in 2011, was bought by the Rajasthan Royals for Rs 1.10 crore at the Jeddah, Saudi Arabia-held IPL 2025 Mega Auction. There were serious attempts from the Delhi Capitals, but Rajasthan’s bidding came out victorious.
Vaibhav started playing cricket at the age of four. His father Sanjeev recognized the passion of the boy and constructed a small practice area in their backyard. At the age of nine, Vaibhav joined a cricket academy in a nearby town. It was not long before he was declared as a gifted player. After practicing for two and a half years, I appeared for the Under-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy. Because of my age, I was placed on standby. Thankfully, I started my coaching under Manish Ojha sir, a former Ranji player, who taught me a lot. I owe a lot to him for what I am today.
At just 12, Vaibhav played in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy for Bihar, scoring around 400 runs in just five matches. Thus he created ripples in Bihar Cricket, leaving everyone he played with in astonishment.