The 2025 Indian Premier League Mega Auction was a record-breaking event, but one particular record stood out: the youngest-ever player to be picked for the league. At just 13 years and 243 days, Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest player in IPL history, making his mark when Rajasthan Royals secured him for ₹1.1 crore after an intense bidding war with Delhi Capitals.
Vaibhav’s entry into the auction was historic—he was listed at a base price of ₹30 lakh, the youngest player ever to be part of the auction in the league’s 16-year history. Both Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals had previously conducted trials to assess the young prodigy. In the Nagpur trials, Vaibhav stunned RR by hitting three consecutive sixes while chasing a 17-run target in one over, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess. DC also recognized his potential after his impressive performance at their trials, making him a strong contender for both teams.
Before Vaibhav, players like Prayas Ray Barman, at 16, and Allah Ghazanfar, at just 15, had made their mark as some of the youngest IPL players. But Vaibhav’s story is truly remarkable. A left-handed batter and slow left-arm orthodox bowler, Vaibhav has already made waves in Indian cricket, representing Bihar and India B U-19s. His journey began at age 4 when his father, Sanjeev, set up a small backyard playing area, igniting Vaibhav’s passion. By 9, he was outshining his peers at a local academy, and by 12, he made headlines with 400 runs in five matches during the Vinoo Mankad Trophy.
Despite missing out on the U-19 World Cup selection, Vaibhav persevered, earning a place in Bihar’s Ranji Trophy squad. At just 12 years and 284 days, he debuted as the youngest Indian to play first-class cricket since 1986. His remarkable talent was further displayed in 2024 when he scored a record-breaking 104 off 62 balls in a youth Test against Australia, becoming the fastest-ever Indian to achieve a century in youth Tests.
Vaibhav’s journey is one of resilience and brilliance—an inspiring testimony to a young cricketer whose talent knows no bounds, as he rises steadily in Indian cricket’s ever-expanding horizon.