April 29, 2025: In a night packed with fireworks, history, and raw emotion, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi announced himself to the world with a jaw-dropping century that not only broke records but also ignited the hopes of a franchise and left an entire stadium in awe.
Chasing a stiff target of 210 against Gujarat Titans at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Rajasthan Royals romped home with 15.5 overs to spare—thanks to a sensational innings from the young boy from Samastipur, Bihar. Suryavanshi smashed 101 off just 38 balls, decorated with 11 sixes and 7 fours, becoming the youngest-ever T20 centurion and the fastest Indian to a hundred in IPL history.
“There is no fear. I don’t think much—I just focus on playing,” Vaibhav said after receiving the Player of the Match award. “I just see the ball and play.”
It was a night that felt scripted by destiny. The teenager’s milestone 100 came off 35 balls, eclipsing Yusuf Pathan’s long-standing Indian IPL record set in 2010—also for the Rajasthan Royals. And in a moment of poetic symmetry, Pathan himself took to social media to celebrate the moment.
“Many congratulations to young Vaibhav Suryavanshi for breaking my record of the fastest IPL hundred by an Indian! Even more special to see it happen while playing for Rajasthan Royals, just like I did. There’s truly something magical about this franchise for youngsters. Long way to go, champ!” — Yusuf Pathan
Despite being just nine days into his IPL career, Suryavanshi batted with the poise and power of a seasoned pro. Facing a world-class bowling attack featuring Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Ishant Sharma, and Washington Sundar, the teenager played with fearless intent. His clean hitting and ice-cold temperament stunned opponents and fans alike.
Eventually, his fairytale knock came to an end when he was bowled by Prasidh Krishna, but not before he had sealed the game and walked off to a standing ovation from the home crowd and the Royals’ dugout.
“It’s like a dream, to score a century in the IPL,” said Vaibhav, who had made headlines just last week for hitting a six on his IPL debut. That was merely the trailer—Monday night in Jaipur was the feature film.
In addition to his century, Vaibhav overtook Vijay Zol to become the youngest player ever to score a T20 century, breaking a record that had stood since 2013.
As Rajasthan snapped their losing streak and stayed alive in the playoff race, the night belonged to a chubby-cheeked boy with a fearless heart and a bat that spoke louder than words.
Cricket may never forget the night a 14-year-old made it his playground.