13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi becomes IPL’s youngest player; father says had to sell land to realise cricketing dream

Published on Authored by Press Trust of India

Bihar’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest-ever player to be signed by an IPL franchise at 13 years old, as Rajasthan Royals bought the prodigy for INR 1.10 crore (approx. USD 130.4K) in the mega auction on Monday. Following his son’s historic achievement, Sanjiv Suryavanshi revealed that he has to sell his land to fuel son’s cricketing desire.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Photo courtesy- Left: http://x.com/Delhiwalididi, Right: http://x.com/bheeman_returns
Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Photo courtesy- Left: http://x.com/Delhiwalididi, Right: http://x.com/bheeman_returns

His base price was INR 30 lakh (approx. USD 35,605) and Delhi Capitals made the opening bid. RR entered the fray at INR 35 lakh (approx. USD 41,540) and eventually got the better of DC to get the player on board.

Suryavanshi made headlines recently when he became the youngest batter to score an international century, achieving the feat in a Youth Test for India Under-19 against Australia U-19 in Chennai.

He made 104 off 62 balls in that match. Suryavanshi, talked about as a prodigy, made his T20 debut for Bihar in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Rajasthan on Saturday and made a 6-ball 13 before falling to Deepak Chahar.

Though he has created ripples in junior circuit, Suryavanshi is yet to play a significant knock in first-class cricket, averaging only 10 after five matches with a best of 41.

Hailing from Samastipur, Suryavanshi made his debut at just 12 years and 284 days against Mumbai in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season, becoming the youngest player in the tournament’s history.

He was only 12 years old when he played in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy for Bihar, aggregating nearly 400 runs in just five matches.

There has also been some controversy regarding his age, though.

The senior Suryavanshi recalled how he sold his farmland to fund his 10-year-old son’s cricketing aspirations. Sanjiv, who owned farmland in his native Motipur village, which is 15kms from Samastipur town in Bihar, was lost for words.

“Woh ab sirf humra bituwa nahi pura Bihar ka bituwa hai (He is not just my son now but entire Bihar’s son),” Sanjiv told PTI over phone as his son is currently in Dubai for the U-19 Asia Cup.

“My son has worked hard. At the age of 8 years, he excelled at U-16 district trials. I would take him for his cricket coaching to Samastipur and then take him back,” he recalled the days of hardships.

So were his finances in place as cricket is an investment?

“Not just investment, it’s big investment. Aapko kya bataye humne toh apna zameen tak bech diya. Abhi bhi halat pura sudhra nahi (I have sold my land. Financial issues are still there).”

When asked about the controversies regarding Vaibhav’s actual age, which many believe is 15 years, the father was quick to clarify.

“When he was 8 and half years old he first appeared for BCCI bone test. He has already played India U-19. We don’t fear anyone. He can again undergo age test,” he sounded defiant.

Sanjiv said that Bihar Cricket Association president Rakesh Tiwary’s “blessings” have always helped Vaibhav in his journey. “Rakesh ji ka ashirwaad raha hai bahoot (Rakesh ji’s blessings are there).”

So how did this bidding war happened?

“Rajasthan Royals had called him for trials in Nagpur. Vikram Rathour sir (batting coach) gave a match situation where he had to score 17 in an over. Bituwa ne 3 chakka mara. Trials mein aat chakka aur char chauwaa mara (He smashed three sixes. At trials, he hit eight sixes and four fours),” the father claimed proudly.

For a 13-year-old, it can be very difficult to understand what it means to earn a crore. So how does he plan to keep his young son away from monetary discussions?

“He just wants to play cricket and nothing else. A few years back he loved Doremon, not anymore,” Sanjiv said.

Bihar Cricket Association lauds selection

Bihar Cricket Association president Tiwary was all praise for the prodigy after his 1.10 crore bid for RR.

“Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s incredible achievement at such a young age fills us with immense pride,” Tiwary said in a statement.

“His journey from Bihar to the IPL is a reflection of his talent, hard work, and determination. The Bihar Cricket Association has always believed in nurturing young talent, and Vaibhav’s success highlights the cricketing potential in our state.

“We are confident he will continue to shine and inspire aspiring cricketers across Bihar and beyond. I congratulate Vaibhav and his family.”