Rajasthan Royals Acquire 13-Year-Old Batting Prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi for $130,000
A 13-year-old cricket prodigy from Bihar, India, is set to make his mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after Rajasthan Royals purchased him for $130,000 during the IPL mega auction.
Suryavanshi’s Record-Breaking Century
Vaibhav Suryavanshi gained national attention last month after scoring a remarkable century against Australia’s Under-19 team. He reached 104 runs off just 58 balls, breaking a record previously held by Bangladesh’s current test captain, Najmul Hasan Shanto. Suryavanshi achieved this feat at the age of 13 years and 187 days, surpassing Shanto’s record of scoring a century at 14 years and 241 days.
Delhi Capitals Show Interest
When the bidding for Suryavanshi started at his base price of $35,500, Delhi Capitals showed significant interest. However, Rajasthan Royals ultimately secured the young talent in the auction.
Rajasthan Royals Impressed by Suryavanshi’s Talent
Rajasthan Royals’ chief executive officer, Jake Lush McCrum, expressed his admiration for Suryavanshi’s abilities, saying, “He’s been to our high-performance center in Nagpur, had trials there, and really impressed our coaching staff.” McCrum highlighted the youngster’s potential but emphasized the importance of confidence as Suryavanshi prepares for the IPL.
Coaching Support and Future Prospects
Describing Suryavanshi as a “hell of a talent,” McCrum stressed the need for extensive training over the coming months before the IPL begins on March 14. The franchise’s coaching panel, which includes former Indian captain Rahul Dravid, will support his development. Suryavanshi, who idolizes legendary West Indian batsman Brian Lara, also receives guidance from former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer, whom he met during an Under-19 tournament in Bangladesh last year.
A Father’s Pride and Support
Suryavanshi’s father, Sanjiv, who has coached him since his early interest in cricket, expressed immense pride in his son’s achievements. “He is not just my son now, but the entire state of Bihar’s son,” Sanjiv told the Press Trust of India. “My son has worked hard.”
