Rajasthan Royals’ Bold Move: INR 1.1 Crores on 13-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi 

Beyond India’s ICC World Championship victory, Rajasthan Royals’ latest move has set the cricket world abuzz. We’re talking about Vaibhav Suryavanshi—the 13-year-old sensation who made history as the youngest player ever to be shortlisted by Rajasthan Royals during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. This young prodigy has captured the spotlight in the cricket world and shown that talent has no age. 

 

In fact, ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, Rajasthan Royals brought Vaibhav in for trials in Nagpur, and the young prodigy absolutely nailed it! His undeniable talent sparked a bidding battle between the Royals and Delhi Capitals. In the end, RR emerged victorious, securing the 13-year-old sensation for a jaw-dropping ₹1.1 crore! But who is this young star, and why did Rajasthan Royals invest crores in him?

Let’s explore his journey in this post. Stay connected! 

About Vaibhav Suryvanshi

Born on March 25, 2011, in a small village of Bihar, Samastipur, this shining star is a perfect real-life example of famous character “Karan” from movie “Chain Kuli Ki Main Kulli”. Likewise, the character made his cricketing journey with a magical bat, and Vaibhav became a sensation because of his magical talent. 

 

Vaibhav’s father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, played a big role in enhancing his talent. The talented soul started his cricketing journey at the age of 4 when his father noticed the sparking talent in him. 

 

Considering his skills, Sanjeev decided to foster it by building a small playing area for Vaibhav in the backyard of their home. In fact, he sold his farm in Motipur to fund Vaibhav’s cricketing dreams. Then, after Vaibhav turned 9 years, Sanjiv, enrolled him in a cricket academy in the nearby town of  Samastipur. 

Vaibhav Suyavanshi’s Cricket Career

Before fitting into this easy- looking title— the most expensive player in IPL 2025, Vaibhav’s struggles were unending. Due to the young age the teenage player had to tackle plenty of challenges. But did that stop him? Not a chance! 

 

He stumbled, he fell, and rose again with unwavering determination. And now at just age of 13, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has already carved a name for himself in the cricketing world. His journey from a budding talent in Bihar to the IPL 2025 auction is nothing short of remarkable. Let’s take a look at his record-breaking achievements:

Early Breakthrough: India U-19 Quadrangular Series (November 2023)

• Picked for the India B U-19 squad for the quadrangular series in Mulapadu, Andhra Pradesh.
• Faced England, Bangladesh, and India A, scoring 41 against England.
• Though he missed out on the ICC U-19 World Cup selection, his resilience paved the way for greater opportunities.

 Ranji Trophy Debut: Youngest Since 1986 (January 2024)

• Earned a spot in Bihar’s Ranji Trophy 2023-24 squad after an impressive U-23 selection camp performance.
• Made his first-class debut against Mumbai at just 12 years and 284 days, becoming:
  • The youngest Indian to debut in first-class cricket since 1986.
  • The second-youngest player in Ranji Trophy history for Bihar.

 Historic Youth Test Century Against Australia (September 2024)

• Made his India U-19 debut in a youth Test against Australia in Chennai.
• Smashed a 62-ball 104 before being run out.
• Registered the fastest century by an Indian in youth Tests (58 balls), second-fastest globally after Moeen Ali’s 56-ball ton in 2005.

 Standout Performer at the U-19 Asia Cup (2024)

• Played a crucial role in India’s journey to the final in the UAE.
• Finished as India’s second-highest scorer in the tournament.
• Scored two half-centuries, including:
  • A match-winning knock in a do-or-die group stage clash.
  • A Player of the Match performance against Sri Lanka in the semi-finals.

 Record-Breaking List A Debut & Fifty (Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25)

• Became the youngest Indian to play List A cricket at 13 years and 269 days, surpassing Ali Akbar’s record.
• Created history again by becoming the youngest Indian to score a fifty in List A cricket, smashing 71 off 42 balls against Baroda.

Summary overview of his Cricket Journey

After looking at his journey, no wonder Vaibhav is an efficient asset for cricket.  His hard work and talent have already drawn comparisons to cricketing legends. Influenced by Brian Lara, the young southpaw plays fearlessly with great temperament and an insatiable hunger for runs. 

 

His selection in the IPL 2025 auction by Rajasthan Royals only adds to the excitement surrounding his future. While it’s still early, his performances indicate that Indian cricket might have found its next big superstar!

Why Rajasthan Royals brings Him in IPL 2025

Apart from his recognizable achievements in the game, what did the Rajasthan Royal observe in vaibhav that they bought him in the 2025 IPL auction? Well, all because of his exceptional talent and potential, particularly evident in his 58-ball century against the Australian U19 team and performance in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy. Here are some more reasons: 

Early Performance

At just 12, Vaibhav made a mark in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, smashing 400 runs in five matches while representing Bihar. His consistency at a young age caught the scouts’ attention.

Record-Breaking Century

He turned heads with a 58-ball century against Australia U-19, the fastest by an Indian in youth Tests. His fearless stroke play proved he could handle pressure like a pro.

Exceptional Talent Recognition

Rajasthan Royals spotted his potential early, seeing him as a future match-winner with an aggressive batting style and a strong mindset—perfect for T20 cricket.

Long-Term Investment

RR believed Vaibhav had the skill, temperament, and hunger to evolve, making him a valuable long-term asset. They saw him as a young talent who could be groomed into a superstar.

IPL Auction Battle

His rising reputation led to a bidding war between Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals, but RR sealed the deal, grabbing him for INR 1.1 crore—a testament to their belief in his potential.

Aggressive Batting Style Suited for T20s

Vaibhav’s ability to play attacking cricket, find gaps, and accelerate the scoring rate made him an ideal pick for the high-paced IPL format.

Wrap up

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s journey is just beginning, but his IPL selection proves he’s already on the path to something special. Rajasthan Royals saw not just a young player but a future game-changer. Infact, with a fearless batting style, raw but brilliant talent, and the perfect stage to grow, Vaibhav has a golden opportunity to refine his skills and learn more cricket strategies under legendary cricketers. The cricket world is watching, and if his past performances are any sign, this young prodigy is set to make headlines for years to come. One thing’s for sure—IPL 2025 just got much more exciting!