In a remarkable display of mastery and composure, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi orchestrated a turn for the ages. He went on to become the youngest centurion in men’s Twenty20 cricket! Suryavanshi achieved this milestone while captaining the Rajasthan Royals. They even managed to achieve that in style, recent eight-wicket success over the Gujarat Titans in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match in Jaipur.
Suryavanshi also became only the fourth batter in IPL history to make in 35 balls, equalling the second-fastest hundred in IPL history. His record-breaking innings featured 11 sixes and seven fours as he detonated the attack with an incredible 101 runs from just 38 balls. The young cricketer’s efforts led the Royals to successfully chase down a daunting target of 209 runs in just 15.5 overs.
Jaiswal and Suryavanshi then combined for a stunning first wicket stand of 166 runs. Their tactical collaboration and technical expertise were on full display, illuminating the pitch. This partnership not only created a great tone for the match but most famously revealed Suryavanshi’s skill to ship within the clutch.
Suryavanshi’s remarkable century surpassed the previous record held by Yusuf Pathan, who scored a century for Rajasthan against the Mumbai Indians in 2010 in 37 balls. This victory ensured Suryavanshi’s place in the record books and IPL folklore. He has the record for fastest century by an Indian player in the tournament to his name.
Suryavanshi, who debuted in the IPL earlier this month, is having a breakout season. He scored a six off the very first ball he faced in the league! His meteoric rise to fame came with an equal and opposite reaction. At only 13 years of age, he was the youngest player to ever receive an IPL contract after making waves in domestic talent competitions, having played in the Ranji Trophy as a 12-year-old.
The 19-year-old cricketer has played for India’s Under-19 squad as well. He announced himself to the world on the biggest stage, scoring 133 runs off 58 balls in ICC World T20 against Australia in 2006. Earlier this year, Suryavanshi made national headlines when he scored a triple hundred in a home tournament. Yet, this remarkable accomplishment occurred in his home state of Bihar.
Reflecting on his record-breaking performance, Suryavanshi expressed his joy and excitement:
“I just see the ball and play. It has been a dream to get a 100 in the IPL, and today, it materialised. There is no fear. I don’t think much, I just focus on playing.” – Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Former cricketer Yusuf Pathan extended his congratulations to Suryavanshi for breaking his record:
“Many congratulations to young Vaibhav Suryavanshi for breaking my record of the fastest IPL hundred by an Indian. Even more special to see it happen while playing for Rajasthan Royals, just like I did.” – Yusuf Pathan
