NEW DELHI: Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi etched his name in IPL history on Saturday as the youngest-ever debutant, and he did so with flair befitting a seasoned pro.
Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenager smashed a six off his very first ball in top-flight cricket, lofting Lucknow Super Giants’ Shardul Thakur effortlessly over extra cover at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. It was a shot that announced his arrival with authority — and drew instant plaudits.
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Among those stunned was England’s Sam Billings, who took to X to gush: “This is utterly absurd!!!!! 14! First ball. Look at the bat swing too, like prime Yuvi…wow.”
The comparison to Yuvraj Singh — one of India’s most stylish and fearless stroke-makers — speaks volumes of the impression Suryavanshi left in just 20 deliveries.
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The Samastipur-born prodigy went on to hammer 34 runs, studded with three sixes and two fours, before being stumped by Rishabh Pant off Aiden Markram.
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Earlier dismissed as a risky pick when RR shelled out Rs 1.1 crore for him at last year’s mega auction, Suryavanshi has begun to justify the hype. His fearless intent, lightning-quick reactions, and clean hitting under pressure gave more than just a glimpse of his massive potential.
Billings’ Yuvraj comparison may seem premature to some, but as debuts go, few have been this electrifying. If Saturday night was any indication, Indian cricket might just have witnessed the birth of a future superstar.
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