New Delhi, April 20 – When 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi launched his very first ball in the Indian Premier League (IPL) — bowled by experienced international Shardul Thakur — into the stands for a six, it wasn't just a spectacular debut, it was the culmination of years of relentless dedication, sacrifice, and preparation. As per agency report, this moment was the result of a decade-long journey that began in a small town in Bihar and led to one of cricket’s biggest stages.
Vaibhav’s father, Sanjeev Suryavanshi, sold his farmland to support his son’s cricket dreams, placing unwavering faith in the young boy’s ability. His journey took a serious turn when coach Manish Ojha from Patna identified his potential and ensured that, from the age of ten, Vaibhav faced no fewer than 600 balls in practice every single day — a regimen designed to prepare him for elite competition.
His rise was further supported by the Bihar Cricket Association, which secured him a spot in the Ranji Trophy squad. Under the leadership of national under-19 selector Tilak Naidu, Vaibhav earned a place in Colt Test cricket, bringing him one step closer to the national spotlight.
Before his IPL debut, Vaibhav was rigorously trained by Rajasthan Royals’ Rahul Dravid and scouting head Zubin Bharucha, who helped him face side-arm throwdowns at speeds exceeding 150 kmph. This preparation was crucial in moulding the young batsman into someone capable of handling pressure and delivering big hits against established bowlers.
While most 14-year-olds are navigating schoolwork and video games, Vaibhav, from Bihar’s Samastipur district, was sending deliveries from seasoned bowlers like Thakur into the crowd at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, stunning fans and experts alike.
His quickfire 34 off 20 balls may seem modest in the high-octane world of the IPL, but given his age, the performance drew significant attention. The Royals had acquired him for ₹1.10 crore, and now cricket followers are eager to learn more about this teenage sensation.
Coach Ojha, reflecting on his young prodigy, noted that Vaibhav had an exceptional understanding of the game even as a child. He possessed natural coordination in his stance, back-lift, shot execution, and intent — attributes not easily found at such a young age.
Responding to questions about Vaibhav’s power and timing, Ojha explained that it was the result of consistent training. For five years, Vaibhav regularly faced hundreds of deliveries in every practice session. While most academy players batted for 50 balls a day, Vaibhav’s discipline stood apart.
Ojha likened Vaibhav’s bat swing to that of Yuvraj Singh and revealed that over 40 videos of his practice sessions have been uploaded to YouTube, demonstrating the consistency and power behind the shots.
To protect the youngster from excessive media attention, Vaibhav's father has been asked not to speak publicly. However, Ojha praised the Suryavanshi family for their sacrifices and dedication. Sanjeev often travelled over 100 kilometers to ensure his son attended matches, while Vaibhav’s mother meticulously managed his diet to meet the high nutritional needs demanded by his intense training.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi's story is not merely about a young cricketer making an IPL debut — it is about a dream built on daily discipline, parental sacrifice, and a village’s hope for greatness. His journey, which began with 600 daily balls, now finds its echo in the cheers of stadiums nationwide.
