New Delhi: In 2024, when Rajasthan Royals acquired Vaibhav for ₹1.1 crore at the age of just 13, it was nothing short of a miracle. But Vaibhav won everyone’s trust. With his century against Gujarat Titans, he became the youngest centurion in IPL history. He then smashed 143 runs in 78 balls against the England Under-19 team.
The Jaipur century That Made Him a ‘Superstar’
On April 28th, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Vaibhav delivered a performance that stunned everyone. He scored blazzing 100 runs in just 35 balls. He smashed 7 fours and 11 sixes, dominating experienced bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Ishant Sharma. Ravi Shastri and Matthew Hayden, present in the commentary box, were also astonished by his batting. Hayden even jokingly remarked, “He can’t be 14!”
Shastri’s Advice: Now is the Toughest Time
Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri praised Vaibhav while also issuing a warning. He said, “Now will be the most difficult period for him. Many players lose their way after achieving so much success at such a young age. Someone senior will need to guide him, as this is a very critical time. He will have to learn to accept failure.”
Comparisons with Sachin and Kohli, but the Road is Long
Vaibhav is now being compared to legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, but Shastri says he still has a long way to go to reach that level. “If he continues to work hard like this, he will definitely become a big name in the future, but for now, he needs to hone his skills in four-day cricket,” Shastri said.
Story Highlights
- 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi created history in the IPL, scoring a century in 35 balls.
- He also played explosive innings against the England and Australia Under-19 teams.
- Ravi Shastri advised, “This will be the toughest phase of his career.”
- Compared to Sachin and Kohli, but still a long way to go.