Teenager Vaibhav Suryavanshi rewrites record books with stunning 35-ball century

In a historic feat on Monday, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi etched his name into the record books by smashing the second-fastest century in the history of the Indian Premier League. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the prodigy from Bihar reached his hundred in just 35 balls during their thrilling chase of 210 against Gujarat Titans at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

Vaibhav’s breathtaking knock not only lit up the stadium but also set a new world record, making him the youngest male cricketer ever to score a T20 century, according to available data. He surpassed the previous record held by former Maharashtra batter Vijay Hari Zol, who achieved the feat at 18 years of age in 2013.

Earlier in the same match, Vaibhav had already made headlines by becoming the youngest player to register a T20 half-century. At just 14 years and 32 days old, the left-hander surpassed the record set by Hassan Eisakhil, the son of former Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi, who had scored a fifty at 15 years and 360 days during a Shpageeza League match in 2022.

Vaibhav also rewrote IPL history by becoming the youngest batter to hit a fifty in the tournament, breaking the record previously held by Riyan Parag. Parag had reached the milestone at 17 years and 175 days in 2019, surpassing Sanju Samson’s earlier benchmark of 18 years and 169 days in 2013.

Facing a daunting target set by Gujarat Titans, Vaibhav showcased his aggressive intent from the outset. Playing only his third match in IPL 2025, he unleashed a flurry of attacking strokes, racing to his half-century off just 17 deliveries. His fifty came in style, with a boundary off Washington Sundar’s final delivery of the fifth over.

Vaibhav’s fearless approach had already been evident earlier this season when he became the youngest debutant in IPL history at 14 years and 23 days, turning heads by smashing a six off Shardul Thakur on the very first ball he faced against Lucknow Super Giants.

Acquired by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 1.10 crore last year when he was just 13, Suryavanshi had shown glimpses of his talent with scores of 34 and 16 in his first two outings. Additionally, he had impressed on the international stage, representing India U19 in the Asia Cup held in the UAE, where he formed a solid partnership with Ayush Mhatre.