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In a groundbreaking moment for cricket, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 13-year-old first-class cricketer from Bihar, has made history by being shortlisted for the IPL 2025 mega auction. This makes him the youngest player ever to go under the hammer in the IPL’s 16-year history.
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A New Chapter in IPL Auction History
The IPL 2025 mega auction is set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25, marking the first time the event will be held outside India. The auction will feature 574 players, whittled down from an initial list of 1,574 registrants. Out of these, 366 are Indian and 208 are overseas players, with a total of 204 slots available across the 10 franchises.
However, all eyes are on Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who, at just 13, is set to make history. The young prodigy from Bihar has been listed as the 491st pick in the auction and placed in the 68th set under the uncapped player category.
Who is Vaibhav Suryavanshi?
Vaibhav’s rise to fame has been nothing short of spectacular. The young left-handed batter first grabbed headlines when he made his Ranji Trophy debut for Bihar in January 2024 at the age of 12, becoming the fourth-youngest player to feature in India’s premier domestic tournament.
Early Beginnings:
- Born and raised in Tajpur village, Bihar, Vaibhav started playing cricket at the age of 9.
- He quickly climbed the ranks to secure a spot in Bihar’s senior team.
- In his brief first-class career, he has played 5 matches, scoring 100 runs at a strike rate of 63.29.
India U19 Debut:
- Vaibhav’s talent shone brightly on the international stage when he made his debut for the India U19 team in September 2024.
- In a youth Test against Australia U19, he smashed a blistering century off just 58 balls, hitting 14 fours and 4 sixes, which further solidified his reputation as a prodigious talent.
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Controversy Surrounding Vaibhav’s Age
While Vaibhav’s inclusion in the IPL auction has sparked excitement, it has also stirred controversy. Shortly after his Ranji Trophy debut, a video interview surfaced online where Vaibhav reportedly referred to himself as 14 years old, leading to suspicions of potential age fraud.
Despite the allegations, neither the Bihar Cricket Board (BCB) nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has addressed these claims, leaving the issue unresolved. As of now, no official evidence has emerged to substantiate the age fraud accusations.
Also Read: Anshul Kamboj Emulates Anil Kumble; Takes All 10 Wickets in an Innings
What’s Next for Vaibhav?
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s entry into the IPL auction at such a young age is a testament to his extraordinary talent. Whether he secures an IPL contract remains to be seen, but the future certainly looks bright for this young sensation from Bihar. All eyes will be on Jeddah as the franchises decide whether to take a chance on this teenage prodigy, who could very well become the next big star in Indian cricket.
Stay tuned as the IPL auction unfolds, potentially ushering in a new era with Vaibhav Suryavanshi making history once again.
