In a momentous achievement for Indian cricket, 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Bihar has become the youngest player ever to be bought at an Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. On Monday, the Rajasthan Royals secured the left-handed top-order batter for an impressive ₹1.10 crore, marking a historic milestone in his fledgling career.
Vaibhav’s journey from the small town of Samastipur, Bihar, to the IPL auction has been nothing short of extraordinary. His rise is a testament to perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering support, particularly from his family and the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA).
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Reflecting on this achievement, BCA President Rakesh Tiwari expressed immense pride, stating, “Today is a very proud moment for Bihar cricket. Vaibhav has made everyone here very proud, and I can vouch for the fact that he will one day make India proud. I congratulate Vaibhav for scripting history.” Tiwari also credited Bihar Chief Minister for fostering a supportive environment for sports in the state.
Vaibhav’s father, Sanjeev Suryavanshi, shared the struggles the family endured to support his son’s cricketing ambitions, including selling their land due to financial constraints. He expressed gratitude to BCA President Rakesh Tiwari for recognizing Vaibhav’s potential and providing him opportunities. “If Rakesh Tiwari sir wasn’t there, I don’t think my child would have got the chance to play cricket for Bihar. I’m happy for Vaibhav. He is still a kid and might not fully understand what he has done today,” Sanjeev Suryavanshi said in a statement.
Vaibhav’s stellar performance earlier this year further cemented his rising status. He played for India Under-19, scoring a century against Australia in Chennai, and earned a spot in the India Under-19 squad for the 2024 ACC Under-19 Asia Cup, set to take place in the UAE. Additionally, he has already made significant strides in domestic cricket, playing five Ranji Trophy matches since debuting against Mumbai earlier this year. Most recently, he made his T20 debut for Bihar in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Rajasthan on November 23.
BCA President hails Vaibhav Suryavanshi on becoming youngest player to be sold in IPL history
Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) President Rakesh Tiwari expressed immense pride as 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi made history by becoming the youngest player ever sold at an Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. During Monday’s mega event, Vaibhav was acquired by the Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.1 crore following a fierce bidding war with Delhi Capitals.
In a video shared by the BCA, Rakesh Tiwari applauded the young cricketer, calling him a source of pride for Bihar and predicting a bright future. “This boy has brought glory to our state, and I am confident he will bring glory to the country one day. I congratulate and send my best wishes to Vaibhav Suryavanshi for this remarkable achievement,” Tiwari stated.
Born on March 27, 2011, in Bihar, Vaibhav’s rise has been extraordinary. He made his first-class debut for Bihar in January 2024 at just 12 years and 284 days old. Recently, he was part of India U19’s squad against Australia in Chennai, where he smashed a 58-ball century. Over five first-class matches, Vaibhav has scored 100 runs, with a personal best of 41. Currently, he is playing in the Ranji Trophy and debuted in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on November 23.
Vaibhav’s journey has been one of perseverance and sacrifice, as his family faced significant financial struggles. His father, Sanjeev Suryavanshi, highlighted the critical role of BCA President Rakesh Tiwari in shaping his son’s career. “If Rakesh Tiwari sir hadn’t supported us, I don’t think my child would have had the chance to play for Bihar. We even had to sell our land due to financial issues. Vaibhav is still a kid and might not fully understand what he has achieved, but I am grateful to Tiwari sir for recognizing his potential and giving him this opportunity,” he said.
“Pride for our district”: Relative of 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi who becomes youngest player to be signed in IPL auction
Vaibhav’s achievements have brought immense joy to his hometown and family. His uncle, Rajiv Kumar Suryavanshi, highlighted the pride felt by the entire community, stating, “The villagers here are happy. It is a matter of pride for our district, state, and the nation. His father has contributed a lot to his success. My brother (Vaibhav’s father) was also a cricket player, and he wanted his child to excel in this field.”
Vaibhav’s grandmother, Usha Singh, also expressed her heartfelt congratulations, recalling his early passion for cricket. “He has been interested in cricket since he was 3 years old. I pray to God for his continued success,” she said.
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