Introduction
Cricket fans worldwide are buzzing about Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the youngest player in IPL history to score a century. At just 14 years and 32 days old, he smashed a 35-ball hundred for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, breaking multiple records. However, his meteoric rise has been clouded by allegations of age fraud, with evidence suggesting he may actually be older than claimed.
This article explores Vaibhav’s incredible journey, his record-breaking feats, and the age dispute threatening to overshadow his success.
Who is Vaibhav Suryavanshi?
Vaibhav Suryavanshi (born 27 March 2011) is a left-handed batsman from Bihar who plays for:
- Bihar in domestic cricket
- Rajasthan Royals in the IPL
- India Under-19s in youth internationals
Key Career Highlights:
✅ Youngest Indian List A debutant (13 years, 269 days)
✅ Youngest IPL debutant (14 years, 23 days)
✅ Fastest century by an Indian in IPL (35 balls)
✅ First IPL player born after the league’s inception (2008)
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Record-Breaking Journey
1. Early Life & Beginnings
- Born in Motipur village, Samastipur (Bihar)
- Started playing cricket at 4 years old
- Trained under his father before joining a Samastipur academy at 9
2. Youth & Domestic Career
- Played Bihar U-19s at just 12 (Vinoo Mankad Trophy)
- First-class debut at 12 years, 284 days (Ranji Trophy 2024)
- Became youngest T20 debutant (13 years, 241 days)
- Scored a triple-century (332*) in U-19 Bihar tournament
3. India U-19 & IPL Stardom
- Fastest U-19 Test century (58 balls) for India
- Star performer in 2024 ACC U-19 Asia Cup
- Signed by Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.1 crore (2024)
- IPL debut at 14 years, 23 days (hit a first-ball six)
- Youngest IPL centurion (14y 32d, 35-ball 100 vs GT)
The Age Controversy: Is Vaibhav Really 14?
What’s the Dispute?
Vaibhav claims his birth date is 27 March 2011, making him 14 in 2025. However, a 2023 interview with BNN News Benipatti raises doubts:
🔴 In 2023, he said:
“My 14th birthday is on 27 September 2023.”
📅 If true:
- Born in 2009 (not 2011)
- Would be 16 in 2025, not 14
Why Does Age Matter?
- Age fraud is rampant in Indian cricket (players lie to dominate U-19 tournaments)
- BCCI has strict rules—if proven, he could face bans or disqualification
Possible Explanations:
1️⃣ Miscommunication (wrong birth year mentioned in documents)
2️⃣ Deliberate age fudging (to extend junior cricket career)
3️⃣ Media misunderstanding (incorrect reporting in past interviews)
FAQs About Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Age Controversy
1. How old is Vaibhav Suryavanshi really?
- Official records: 14 (born 27 March 2011)
- Contradictory evidence: 2023 interview suggests he was born in 2009
2. Why is his age being questioned?
- In a 2023 interview, he said his 14th birthday was in September 2023, meaning he should be 16 in 2025, not 14.
3. What happens if age fraud is proven?
- BCCI may suspend him from age-group cricket
- IPL career could be unaffected, but reputation damaged
4. Has Vaibhav or BCCI responded?
- No official statement yet from Vaibhav or Rajasthan Royals
- BCCI has not commented on the issue
5. Does this affect his IPL records?
- No, his IPL achievements stand unless BCCI intervenes
- But public perception may change if fraud is confirmed
Conclusion: Talent vs. Truth
Vaibhav Suryavanshi is undeniably a once-in-a-generation talent, but the age dispute casts a shadow over his achievements. If proven true, this could lead to serious consequences under BCCI rules.
For now, fans are divided—some support him, while others demand transparency. Will BCCI investigate? Will Vaibhav clarify? Only time will tell.
One thing is certain: whether 14 or 16, his batting prowess is extraordinary.