Vaibhav Sooryavanshi makes India debut: The incredible journey of the 15-year-old from Bihar’s Samastipur to Team India | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: “Chase your dreams, they do come true.”Those famous words from Sachin Tendulkar perfectly captured the moment 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stood with a smile on his face after receiving his maiden India cap from Tilak Varma just ahead of the second T20I against England at the Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester. For a boy from the small village of Tajpur in Bihar’s Samastipur district, it was the reward for years of sacrifice, hard work and remarkable performances.On Saturday, Sooryavanshi became the youngest player ever to represent India, breaking the long-standing record held by Sachin Tendulkar, who made his international debut at the age of 16 years and 205 days.
A journey that began at 12
Sooryavanshi’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary.He first hogged the limelight in January 2024 when he made his first-class debut for Bihar at the age of just 12. He became one of the youngest players ever to feature in the Ranji Trophy.Later that year, he represented India in the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup and scored 176 runs in five matches at an average of 44.His biggest breakthrough came soon after when he smashed a 58-ball century against Australia in a Youth Test in Chennai. That innings announced him as one of India’s brightest young talents.
Youngest IPL signing
The performances did not go unnoticed.At just 13 years of age, Rajasthan Royals signed Sooryavanshi for Rs 1.10 crore at the IPL auction, making him the youngest player in the tournament’s history to earn an IPL contract.When he finally made his IPL debut against Lucknow Super Giants at the age of 14 years and 23 days, he showed no signs of nerves. His very first ball in the league disappeared for a six off Shardul Thakur.Nine days later, he rewrote the record books again by smashing a breathtaking 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans to become the youngest centurion in IPL history. The knock was just five balls slower than Chris Gayle’s record-fastest IPL hundred.
IPL season that changed everything
After scoring 252 runs in his debut IPL season in 2025, Sooryavanshi returned even stronger in IPL 2026 where he scored 776 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of more than 230. He also scored 72 sixes, breaking Chris Gayle’s record for the most sixes in a single IPL season.His incredible campaign helped Rajasthan Royals reach the playoffs and earned him three of the biggest individual honours – the Orange Cap, the Most Valuable Player award and the Emerging Player award. He became the first player in IPL history to win all three in the same season.
Success in India A and Under-19 cricket
The IPL heroics earned Sooryavanshi a place in the India A squad for the tri-series.He scored 211 runs in five matches at an average of 42.20 and an outstanding strike rate of 200.95. In the final, he blasted 94 off just 29 balls to help India lift the trophy with a convincing 66-run victory.Even before his record-breaking IPL season, Sooryavanshi had already proved himself on the international stage.In February, he starred in India’s title triumph over England in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final. His explosive 175 off just 80 balls powered India to a 100-run victory. He was also adjudged the Player of the Series.
A father’s dream
Behind every milestone in Sooryavanshi’s career has been the unwavering support of his father, Sanjeev Sooryavanshi.Born on March 27, 2011 – the same year India won the ODI World Cup under MS Dhoni – Vaibhav showed signs of his talent at a very young age.When he was just four years old, Sanjeev noticed the power with which his son struck a plastic ball. After returning from work in the fields, he would spend hours bowling underarm to Vaibhav and helping him practise.Soon, he built a small practice area behind their home so his son could train every day.Recognising Vaibhav’s passion, Sanjeev took him to coach Brajesh Jha in Samastipur. Later, father and son began making regular trips to Patna, where coach Manish Ojha played a key role in shaping the youngster’s game.The 90-kilometre journey from Samastipur to Patna was demanding, but Sanjeev never let that become an excuse. He bought a car and drove his son to the academy on alternate days so that training would never stop.Whether it was the Heman Trophy, the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, the Challengers Trophy, the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup, the IPL or the Under-19 World Cup, Sooryavanshi kept clearing one hurdle after another.On Saturday in Manchester, he crossed the biggest milestone of his career. The boy who once practised in the backyard of his home finally walked onto the field wearing the India jersey – turning a childhood dream into reality.
