Thirteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Bihar has made headlines as the youngest player shortlisted for the IPL 2025 mega auction. The auction will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25, with 574 players vying for 204 available slots across 10 franchises.
A Promising Start to a Young Career
Vaibhav gained attention earlier this year by debuting for Bihar in the Ranji Trophy at the age of 12, becoming the fourth-youngest player in the tournament’s history. Hailing from Tajpur village, Vaibhav began his cricketing journey at nine and progressed swiftly to Bihar’s senior team.
Achievements on the Field
In five first-class matches, Vaibhav scored 100 runs at a strike rate of 63.29. His talent shone brightly in September 2024 when he represented India U19 in a youth Test against Australia U19. He smashed a century off just 58 balls, featuring 14 boundaries and four sixes, cementing his status as a rising star.
Controversy Surrounding Vaibhav’s Age
Despite his achievements, questions about Vaibhav’s age have surfaced. An interview following his Ranji debut hinted at a discrepancy, with Vaibhav referring to himself as 14. This sparked age-fraud allegations, but neither the Bihar Cricket Board nor the BCCI has addressed the claims, leaving the matter unresolved.
Looking Ahead to IPL 2025
Vaibhav is listed as the 491st pick in the uncapped players’ category for the IPL 2025 mega auction. As the youngest entrant in IPL auction history, he remains a talent to watch, even amid the lingering controversy surrounding his age.
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