14-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes Six on Debut Ball in Stunning IPL Entrance

Sports

Vaibhav Suryavanshi made an unforgettable debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL), becoming the youngest player to feature in the tournament’s history — and he made sure all eyes were on him from the very first ball.

Playing for the Rajasthan Royals against the Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday, the 14-year-old stepped in as an impact substitute for captain Sanju Samson. Chasing a target of 181, Suryavanshi wasted no time, launching the first ball he faced — bowled by India pacer Shardul Thakur — for a towering six over extra cover.

“My word, what the hell was that?” exclaimed former Australian cricketer Shane Watson during the live commentary. “One of the hardest shots in cricket is to gain power over cover off the front foot… Power to burn from the 14-year-old. What a way to announce yourself to the world.”

Suryavanshi, a left-hander who idolises West Indies legend Brian Lara, went on to hammer two more sixes in a quick-fire 34 off just 20 balls. He was eventually dismissed after building an impressive 85-run opening partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Despite the Royals falling short by just two runs, it was Suryavanshi who stole the headlines.

Rajasthan’s spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule praised the youngster’s maturity and fearless approach. “He batted well in the nets, his preparation was good. Obviously, we missed Sanju but it created an opportunity for Vaibhav and he made the most of it. He batted beautifully,” Bahutule said. “He’s a great kid with a really good head on his shoulders… His theory is simple: ‘watch the ball, hit the ball.’”

Suryavanshi had already made waves last year when he became the youngest player to earn an IPL contract at the age of 13, signing with the Royals for INR 11 million (USD 128,750) after a bidding war with the Delhi Capitals.

He also made his first-class debut in the Ranji Trophy at just 12 and has represented India’s Under-19 team, where he scored a 58-ball century against Australia. His exploits include a triple-century in a local tournament in his home state of Bihar — feats that have fueled hype around the prodigy.

With his fearless debut and explosive batting, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has officially arrived — and cricket fans around the world are eager to see what comes next.