IPL 2025: 13-Year-Old Indian player becomes first to be shortlisted ahead of auction. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi from Bihar has become the youngest player ever to be included in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Auction shortlist. Vaibhav’s cricket journey began at the age of four, when his father Sanjeev noticed his love for the sport and built a small playing area in their backyard. By age nine, he was enrolled in a cricket academy in Samastipur, where his exceptional talent quickly became evident.
The young prodigy at the age of 12 made his entrance in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy for Bihar, scoring approximately 400 runs in five matches. His most notable achievement came in September 2024, when he represented India U-19 in a youth Test match against Australia in Chennai, smashing an impressive 62-ball 104.
In January 2024, Vaibhav created history by becoming the second-youngest player ever to feature in a Ranji Trophy game for Bihar, making his first-class debut at 12 years and 284 days. He earned spots in both the India A and India B U-19 teams, participating in crucial tournaments that were a selection platform for the ICC U-19 World Cup 2024.
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The teenager’s inclusion in the IPL 2025 auction list, where he appears as the 491st name in the uncapped batter category, is a major milestone. His first-class numbers may seem decent, with 100 runs across 10 innings with a highest score of 41.
Recently, Vaibhav’s consistent performances have earned him a place in the India Under-19 squad for the upcoming 2024 Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Under-19 Asia Cup in the UAE. With the IPL 2025 mega auction approaching, scheduled to take place in Jeddah on November 24 and 25, all eyes will be on this young talent.