In a moment that sent shockwaves through the cricketing community, 13 years old Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Bihar turned heads during the IPL 2025 mega auction when Rajasthan Royals secured his services for an eye-popping Rs 1.1 crore.
What began as a hotly debated move quickly transformed into a tale of destiny, grit and extraordinary talent as Vaibhav made an unexpected debut against Lucknow Super Giants, stepping in for Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson who remained sidelined due to a side strain.
What followed on the field was nothing short of magical. Vaibhav, unfazed by the moment or the crowd, launched the very first ball he faced in the IPL bowled by the experienced Shardul Thakur for a six. That one stroke, as effortless as it was audacious, immediately captured the nation’s imagination. While Rajasthan’s campaign this season has been full of ups and downs, they’ve undoubtedly uncovered a shining new talent for Indian cricket.
But Vaibhav’s path to this moment was paved with years of sweat, sacrifice and tireless commitment. Before the glitz of the IPL, he had already built a formidable resume. At just 12, he made his First-Class debut, smashing a blazing hundred in an Under-19 Youth Test against Australia, and impressed in the Youth Asia Cup representing India. The cricketing world took notice on April 19 but those close to him had seen this coming for years.
Coach Manish Ojha, who has mentored Vaibhav since he was nine, shared insights into the young cricketer’s incredible journey. Despite living over 100 kilometers away in Samastipur, Vaibhav would make the journey to Patna every alternate day for practice. His days began early and ended late, training from 7:30 a.m. to the evening before returning home. This routine continued for four years, a proof of his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Manish Ojha recalled that while most young players face 40–50 deliveries in a training session, Vaibhav regularly faced 400 to 500 deliveries under his guidance. Over time, the coach introduced technical changes to refine his game, changes that Vaibhav not only embraced but mastered. His performances soon began exceeding expectations, often doubling the targets set by his coach, whether in local leagues or official fixtures under the Bihar Cricket Association.
In fact, Vaibhav’s bold approach has always been part of his character. Manish Ojha remembered a training match where he questioned the youngster’s reluctance to take singles. Vaibhav’s response was clear- if he could hit a six, why to take a single? That fearlessness is not just a quirk, it defines his style.
Even before his debut, Vaibhav’s name was already being whispered across cricket circles. He featured in pre-season advertisements alongside names like MS Dhoni and Sanju Samson, signaling his rising stature in Indian cricket. But beyond coaches and cricket fields, it was Vaibhav’s family that played the most pivotal role in his journey. His father Sajeev Suryavanshi had once dreamed of a cricketing career himself. When he couldn’t turn his dream into reality, he channeled it into supporting his son with unwavering dedication. His mother would wake up at 4 a.m. to prepare his meals while his father would accompany him to every training session and match.
That Rs 1.1 crore contract might seem like a fairy tale and perhaps it is but those who have walked this path with Vaibhav know it’s the result of calculated risk, pure talent and sheer determination. His coach admitted that just two years ago, the possibility of such a contract seemed far-fetched. But as Vaibhav continued to light up domestic tournaments, they began to believe he could be picked up at the auction. The price didn’t matter but the potential did.
Today, the world sees a 13 years old boy who started his IPL career with a six. But behind that fearless swing lies a journey years in the making, one that speaks of passion, perseverance and the quiet power of belief.
