Published: November 30, 2024
India’s rising cricketing star, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who recently made headlines as the youngest player to be picked in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, had a disappointing start to his U19 Asia Cup campaign on Saturday.
A Tough Start on the Big Stage
Playing against arch-rivals Pakistan, the 13-year-old batting prodigy from Bihar could only manage a solitary run off nine deliveries before falling to pacer Ali Raza in the fifth over. Chasing a challenging target of 282, India lost early wickets, and the pressure proved too much for the young batter.
Suryavanshi’s underwhelming performance comes shortly after his remarkable selection by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for an eye-popping ₹1.1 crore during the IPL auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Rapid Rise in Indian Cricket
Despite his recent setback, Vaibhav’s cricketing journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. He made his first-class debut for Bihar earlier this year at the age of 12 years and 284 days, becoming one of the youngest players to achieve this milestone. In October, he stunned audiences with a blistering 58-ball century for India U19 against Australia in Chennai.
His T20 debut in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earlier this month further solidified his status as one of India’s most exciting young talents.
Addressing Age Controversy
Vaibhav’s rapid rise has also sparked controversy over his age. Critics have questioned whether the prodigy, officially 13, might actually be older. Responding to these claims, his father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, dismissed the allegations and pointed to a BCCI-conducted bone test verifying Vaibhav’s age.
“When he was 8-and-a-half years old, he first appeared for a BCCI bone test. He has already played India U19. We don’t fear anyone. He can undergo another age test if required,” Sanjiv stated.
Focusing on the Game
In a pre-match interview, Vaibhav shared his admiration for cricketing legend Brian Lara, citing the West Indies icon as his inspiration.
“Brian Lara is my idol. I try to play like him while keeping it natural with the skills I have,” Vaibhav told Sony Sports Network.
The young cricketer also emphasized his focus on improving his game rather than being distracted by the media buzz surrounding him.
“I’m currently focused on my game. I’m not bothered by what’s happening around me. My priority is the Asia Cup, and I’ll take it one game at a time,” he added.
Looking Ahead
Despite his shaky start in the U19 Asia Cup, the cricketing world remains optimistic about Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s potential. With his IPL stint on the horizon and a promising domestic cricket record, the youngster has ample opportunities to prove himself on the global stage.
Stay tuned to BOSI for more updates on this exceptional talent and the U19 Asia Cup.
