14-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi Makes Historic IPL Debut

JAIPUR, India — In a landmark moment for cricket, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi made his debut for Rajasthan Royals against Lucknow Super Giants on April 19, 2025, becoming the youngest player in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Born on March 27, 2011, Suryavanshi stepped into the field during the match at Sawai Mansingh Stadium as a replacement for the injured captain Sanju Samson. His selection as an Impact Player underscores the franchise’s commitment to nurturing young talent, as he is also the first IPL player born after the tournament’s inception in 2008.

“Vaibhav the youngster comes in,” RR stand-in captain Riyan Parag said during the toss, acknowledging the pressure that comes with such a historic debut. “We love playing here, we know the conditions well, hope we can put that to good use.”

Before his IPL debut, Suryavanshi had already made headlines in the cricketing scene. At just 12 years old, he was the youngest player in Ranji Trophy history, and he scored a triple-century in the Randhir Verma Tournament, showcasing his immense talents.

Suryavanshi has also represented India at the under-19 level, where he drew attention by scoring a 58-ball century against Australia in a four-day match. His performance in the 2024 Asia Cup finals helped India reach the final, accumulating 176 runs at an average of 44.

The Rajasthan Royals secured Suryavanshi during the IPL 2025 auction for ₹1.1 crore, making him the youngest player ever to receive an IPL contract. This purchase is not just a financial investment; it’s a statement about the franchise’s role in supporting young players’ growth.

As Suryavanshi took the field, cricket fans globally watched closely. His debut not only breaks age records but also symbolizes a new era in the IPL, where age is secondary to talent. Previous records had been held by players like Prayas Ray Barman, who debuted for Royal Challengers Bengaluru at 16 years and 157 days.

RR head coach Rahul Dravid expressed confidence in the young player’s potential, saying, “He is training really well, and he looks like a really good and exciting talent.”

In his debut match against LSG, Suryavanshi is set to open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal as the Royals seek to bounce back from a challenging season.

This milestone in IPL’s lengthy history raises the question of what future holds for young talents like Suryavanshi. With his promise evident, cricket enthusiasts are eager to see how he will navigate the pressures of professional sports at such a young age.