Tue Nov 26 14:43:32 UTC 2024: ## 13-Year-Old Becomes IPL’s Youngest-Ever Crorepati
**Dubai, UAE** – Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13-year-old cricketer from Bihar, India, has made history by becoming the youngest player ever selected in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Rajasthan Royals secured his services for a staggering ₹1.1 crore (approximately $130,000 USD) during the IPL 2025 mega auction on Monday.
Suryavanshi’s selection came as a surprise even to him, while he was attending an Indian Under-19 team meeting in preparation for the Asia Cup. His remarkable feat comes on the heels of recent achievements, including becoming the youngest batsman to score an international century. He achieved this milestone at 13 years, 288 days old, scoring a breathtaking 104 runs off just 62 balls in a Youth Test against Australia Under-19. This was also the fastest Youth Test century by an Indian and the second fastest in the world.
The young left-handed batsman’s father, Sanjeev, a former aspiring cricketer who worked as a bouncer and sanitation worker to support his family, expressed his overwhelming joy at his son’s success. He recounted his own struggles and the sacrifices he made to ensure his son’s cricketing dreams could flourish.
Suryavanshi’s talent was evident early on. Earlier this year, he became one of the youngest players ever to participate in the Ranji Trophy, India’s premier first-class cricket tournament, at the age of 12. The Bihar Cricket Association president, Rakesh Tiwari, expressed optimism about Suryavanshi’s future, citing the resurgence of cricket in Bihar and the state’s investment in infrastructure.
Suryavanshi will play for India Under-19 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup on Saturday. He is excited to be mentored by Rahul Dravid, head coach of the Rajasthan Royals. His childhood coach, Manoj Ojha, lauded the Royals as the perfect franchise for a young player like Suryavanshi, emphasizing the supportive environment and attention to player development within the team. While thrilled, Suryavanshi’s father expressed concern about the pressure of his son’s newfound wealth, emphasizing his intention to manage it carefully.
The IPL 2025 mega auction saw a total of 182 players sold, with Rishabh Pant fetching the highest bid at ₹27 crore. Suryavanshi’s selection highlights the growing recognition of young talent in Indian cricket and the increasingly significant role of the IPL in nurturing future stars.
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