13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi becomes youngest player ever chosen at IPL auction
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The youngest IPL player
In a groundbreaking moment for Indian cricket, 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi has become the youngest player ever chosen at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. On Monday, the Rajasthan Royals secured his services for a significant sum of 11 million Indian rupees (approximately $130,000) after a competitive bidding war with the Delhi Capitals.
The IPL auction is a highly anticipated event where the league’s 10 teams vie for top talent to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season. This year’s auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, saw Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s name make history, with teams eager to sign the young prodigy.
Rajasthan Royals head coach and former India international Rahul Dravid expressed his excitement about Suryavanshi’s potential after the auction. “He just came to our trials, and we were really happy with what we saw,” Dravid said. “I think he’s got some really good skills, so we thought it might be a good environment for him to grow in.” Dravid’s endorsement underlines the Royals’ belief in Suryavanshi’s abilities, despite his young age.
Suryavanshi made waves earlier this year when, at just 12 years old, he debuted in Indian domestic cricket’s prestigious Ranji Trophy. He represented his home state of Bihar in a match against Mumbai, marking a remarkable milestone for such a young talent. The teenager further impressed with his extraordinary performances, scoring a triple-century in a local tournament for Bihar and hitting a rapid 58-ball century for India’s under-19 team against Australia in September.
Jake Lush McCrum, the CEO of Rajasthan Royals, was equally enthusiastic about Suryavanshi’s potential. “He’s been to our high-performance center in Nagpur, had trials there, and really impressed on the ground,” McCrum explained. “Incredible talent, and, of course, you’ve got to have the confidence to step up to the IPL level. Lots of work will go into developing him, but a hell of a talent. We’re really excited to have him as part of the franchise.”
Suryavanshi’s selection marks a historic achievement for the IPL, which is known for its high-profile players and intense competition. While he is one of the youngest to ever make it to the auction, his impressive performances at various levels of domestic and junior cricket have set him apart. The Royals are hopeful that their nurturing environment will help Suryavanshi develop further, despite the challenge of entering such a competitive league at a tender age.
In other notable developments at the IPL auction, prominent Indian cricketers Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer also made headlines by securing record-breaking fees. Iyer was acquired by the Punjab Kings for a whopping 267.5 million Indian rupees ($3.17 million), while Pant was signed by the Lucknow Super Giants for 270 million Indian rupees ($3.20 million).
The IPL has long been regarded as the premier short-format cricket league globally, attracting massive viewership and sponsorships. The 2023 edition of the tournament alone garnered over 500 million viewers worldwide. In addition, the league’s media rights for the 2023 to 2027 seasons were sold for a staggering $6.2 billion, according to the Financial Times.
Suryavanshi’s entry into the IPL at such a young age highlights the growing trend of nurturing young talent in Indian cricket, as well as the increasing global appeal of the IPL. For Suryavanshi, the opportunity to train and play alongside established stars such as Dravid and other international cricketing legends represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to elevate his game.
Though much work lies ahead for the young cricketer, his journey to the IPL is a testament to the importance of early development and the recognition of talent at the grassroots level. As he continues to hone his skills and adapt to the demands of international cricket, all eyes will be on Suryavanshi as he attempts to make a significant impact in the world’s most-watched cricket league.
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