Vaibhav Suryavanshi becomes youngest IPL 2025 pick: Father recalls selling land to realise RR player's dream

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In a historic moment for Indian cricket, 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi has shattered records by becoming the youngest cricketer ever to be selected in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction on Monday. The Rajasthan Royals secured the prodigious talent for Rs 1.10 crore during the second day of the IPL mega auction in Jeddah, a moment that left his father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, in sheer disbelief.

Sanjiv, a farmer from the small village of Motipur in Bihar, had sold his land to fund Vaibhav’s cricketing dreams. Reflecting on his son’s incredible journey, he said, "Woh ab sirf humra bituwa nahi pura Bihar ka bituwa hai (He is not just my son, but the son of entire Bihar)."

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Vaibhav’s rise to prominence has been a result of years of hard work and perseverance. From a tender age of 8, Vaibhav showed immense promise, excelling at the U-16 district trials. His father would shuttle him between their village and Samastipur for coaching, enduring financial hardships along the way.

"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 told PTI recalling the days of hardships.

"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)."

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The young cricketer’s selection was not without its challenges. There have been speculations regarding his age, with some questioning whether Vaibhav is actually 15. However, Sanjiv firmly defended his son’s age, pointing to a BCCI bone test performed when Vaibhav was 8 and a half years old, and his selection for the India U-19 team.

"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," Vaibhav's father said.

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Vaibhav’s cricketing talent caught the attention of Rajasthan Royals, who invited him for trials in Nagpur. During the trial, he impressed the team’s batting coach, Vikram Rathour, by hitting three sixes in a simulated match situation. In total, he struck eight sixes and four fours during the session, showcasing his exceptional ability.

At the IPL auction, Vaibhav’s base price was set at Rs 30 lakh, and a bidding war soon ensued between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals. Ultimately, RR secured the 13-year-old’s services for Rs 1.10 crore, making him the youngest player ever to be bought in the history of the IPL auction.

As his son embarks on this exciting new chapter with Rajasthan Royals, Sanjiv remains focused on keeping Vaibhav grounded. "He just wants to play cricket and nothing else. A few years back he loved Doremon, not anymore," Sanjiv said.

The Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) has also lauded Vaibhav’s achievement. BCA President Rakesh Tiwary expressed immense pride, saying, “Vaibhav Suryavanshi's incredible achievement at such a young age fills us with immense pride. 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."