Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a cash reward of ₹10 lakh for 14-year-old cricket sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, following his record-breaking century in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Rajasthan Royals. Vaibhav etched his name into the history books by becoming the youngest player ever to score a century in the IPL during a sensational knock against Gujarat Titans on April 28.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), CM Nitish Kumar shared a heartfelt message:
“Congratulations and best wishes to Vaibhav Suryavanshi of Bihar, who became the youngest player (14 years) to score a century in the history of IPL. He has become a new hope for Indian cricket as a result of his hard work and talent. Everyone is proud of him.”
The Chief Minister also recalled a personal meeting with Vaibhav and his father in 2024, where he had wished him a bright future. Following the youngster’s phenomenal performance, Kumar confirmed speaking to him again over the phone to extend his congratulations and announced that the Bihar government will present him with a cash prize of ₹10 lakh as encouragement.
Vaibhav’s Heroics Against Gujarat Titans
In a must-win match at Jaipur, Vaibhav Suryavanshi opened the innings for Rajasthan Royals and displayed fearless cricket against a quality Gujarat Titans bowling attack. Chasing a daunting target of 210, Vaibhav made light work of the chase, reaching his century in just 35 balls—becoming the second-fastest centurion in IPL history after Chris Gayle.
His blitzkrieg innings of 101 off 38 deliveries, laced with 11 sixes and 6 boundaries, set the foundation for RR’s successful chase. Despite being dismissed by Rashid Khan, the young opener had already done the damage, helping RR seal a comfortable victory with overs to spare.
A Glimmer of Hope Amid Playoff Uncertainty
While the win was a morale booster for the Royals, they continue to struggle near the bottom of the IPL 2025 Points Table, currently placed 8th. With only a handful of matches remaining, their chances of making it to the playoffs are slim, but Vaibhav’s emergence has certainly lifted the spirits of the team and their fans.
The recognition from the Bihar government marks a significant moment for cricket in the region, inspiring countless young talents. As the country celebrates the rise of a new prodigy, all eyes will now be on Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s future—both in the IPL and on the national stage.
