Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13-year-old cricketer from Bihar, has made history by becoming the youngest player ever bought at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. Rajasthan Royals secured his services for ₹1.1 crore ahead of the 2025 IPL season, making him an instant crorepati and the youngest-ever cricketer to be bought in the league’s history.
However, his remarkable achievement has been overshadowed by controversy regarding his age. Some critics have raised doubts about Vaibhav’s claimed age of 13 years and 288 days, alleging that he is actually 15 years old. In response, Vaibhav’s father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, vehemently denied these allegations, highlighting that Vaibhav had previously undergone a BCCI age verification test at the age of 8 and a half, which confirmed his age. Sanjiv also stated that they would willingly undergo another age verification test if required.
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Vaibhav’s selection by Rajasthan Royals came after strong performances during his trials in Nagpur. He impressed the Royals’ coaching staff, including batting coach Vikram Rathour, with his ability to hit 8 sixes and 4 fours in a trial match, including 3 sixes off one over, demonstrating his immense talent.
Already a prodigy in Indian cricket, Vaibhav made his Ranji Trophy debut at just 12 years and 284 days during the 2023-24 season against Mumbai, becoming one of the youngest players in the competition’s history. He gained national recognition for his performance in the Youth Test series against Australia, where he scored 104 runs off 62 balls, making him the youngest-ever centurion in competitive cricket. Vaibhav also holds the record for the fastest century by an Indian at the youth level, achieving it in just 58 balls.
The IPL auction 2025 also saw notable buys, including wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who was sold for ₹27 crore to Lucknow Super Giants, and Shreyas Iyer, who was picked up by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore. However, Vaibhav’s inclusion in the Rajasthan Royals squad has created a buzz, with many excited to see the youngest cricketer ever to feature in the IPL.
Despite the controversy, Vaibhav’s impressive performances on the field have solidified his place as a promising talent, and his inclusion in IPL 2025 has generated significant excitement.
