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In scenes rarely witnessed in the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi today crafted a magical innings that left fans, players, and even hardened veterans spellbound. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, the teenager delivered a fearless assault on Gujarat Titans' much-vaunted bowling attack, scripting new pages in the IPL record books and earning an emotional standing ovation from all corners of the stadium, including opposition players and owners.
Dismantling Giants: A Stunning Knock
Walking in at a precarious moment, Vaibhav Suryavanshi showed maturity far beyond his years. Against a Gujarat Titans side renowned for its tight lines and lethal pace battery, the youngster unfurled a breathtaking array of strokes. He blazed his way to the fastest half-century of IPL 2025, reaching the milestone in just 17 balls, shattering the season's record.
However, he wasn't finished. With stunning audacity, he pushed on, bringing up his maiden IPL century off just 35 balls, making it the second-fastest century in IPL history, behind only Chris Gayle's 30-ball carnage in 2013. His final score read 101 off 38 deliveries, punctuated by 7 fours and 11 sixes, a masterclass in controlled aggression.
A Moment to Remember: Standing Ovation at Sawai Mansingh Stadium
As Suryavanshi finally holed out in the deep, trying another audacious lofted drive, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur rose as one. Fans, players, coaching staff, and even Gujarat Titans' players and owners stood to applaud the boy wonder. Tears welled up in the eyes of several spectators who realised they were witnessing the birth of a future superstar.
Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill, visibly moved, was among the first to congratulate the young batsman, embracing him warmly as he walked off. Commentators could scarcely contain their excitement, with phrases like "once-in-a-generation talent" and "Indian cricket's new jewel" filling the airwaves.
How the Titans Fell Silent
Gujarat Titans' attack — led by world-class bowlers Mohammad Shami, Rashid Khan, and Washington Sundar — found themselves utterly helpless. Line and length mattered little as Suryavanshi picked gaps with surgical precision. His footwork against spin was dazzling, while his calculated assault on pace unsettled even seasoned campaigners. Rajasthan Royals' eventual score soared past 210, with Suryavanshi's blitzkrieg laying the perfect foundation.
The Titans' famed bowling economy, the best in the tournament until today, was left tattered as bowlers conceded boundaries with alarming regularity. Rashid Khan, who had been near-unplayable this season, went for 18 runs in a single over against the fearless teenager.
Records Broken
- Fastest Half-Century of IPL 2025: 17 balls
- Second Fastest Century in IPL History: 35 balls
- Youngest Player to Score an IPL Century: 14 years, 23 days
Who is Vaibhav Suryavanshi?
Born in Samastipur, Bihar, Vaibhav Suryavanshi's story is pure cricketing folklore. Identified early through grassroots tournaments, he rose through the ranks with dazzling performances for the Bihar U-19 and India U-19 sides. Last year, Rajasthan Royals stunned everyone by picking him for Rs 1.10 crore — the youngest-ever signing in IPL history.
Off the field, Suryavanshi is a soft-spoken schoolboy, balancing textbooks with cricket bats. A devoted follower of Virat Kohli, he has often spoken about his dream to represent India at the highest level. Today's innings suggests that the dream might not be too far away.
The Road Ahead
As the Rajasthan Royals keep their playoff hopes alive, all eyes will now firmly be on their teenage sensation. But amid all the frenzy, the Royals' management has assured that Suryavanshi will be carefully nurtured, both on and off the field.
Today, Indian cricket may just have witnessed the emergence of its next icon — a 14-year-old boy who played like a man, bringing a stadium to its feet and leaving an entire cricketing world gasping in awe.
Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Royals went on to win the match by 8 wickets and 25 balls left.
