Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old Indian batting sensation, has become the talk of the town after his recent exploits with the India U-19 team in England. Following a blistering innings against the England U-19 side, the young cricketer was spotted at Edgbaston, cheering for the senior Indian team in the second Test.
Suryavanshi's rapid ascent to prominence began earlier this year, with an impressive showing in the IPL. Representing the Rajasthan Royals, he notched up 252 runs in just seven matches. His explosive century against the Gujarat Titans in Jaipur truly catapulted him into the limelight. He reached his century in just 35 balls, becoming the second-fastest in IPL history and the fastest by any Indian in the league. He is also the youngest player in IPL and T20 history to score a hundred, achieving the feat at just 14 years and 32 days old.
Continuing his impressive form, Suryavanshi carried his explosive batting to the international stage during the ongoing India U-19 tour of England. In the third ODI against England U-19 in Northampton, he played a breathtaking innings, scoring 86 runs off just 31 balls. His knock included six boundaries and nine towering sixes, helping India chase down a target of 269 runs in a rain-shortened 40-over match.
Suryavanshi's 20-ball half-century was the second-fastest by an Indian in youth ODIs, narrowly missing Rishabh Pant's record of an 18-ball fifty against Nepal in 2016. His nine sixes in the innings also set a new record for the most sixes by an Indian batter in U-19 ODIs, surpassing the previous record of eight. He is currently the leading run-scorer for India in the series, with 179 runs in three matches at an average of 59.66 and a strike rate of over 213.
Following his impressive performance, Suryavanshi was seen at Edgbaston supporting the senior Indian team. He was accompanied by his U-19 teammates as they watched Shubman Gill, from the stands, score a double century on the second day of the Test.
Suryavanshi's aggressive batting style and ability to clear the boundaries have drawn comparisons to Indian opener Shubman Gill. However, some argue that such comparisons are premature.
Despite the comparisons, many are excited about Suryavanshi's potential and believe he has a bright future ahead of him. Experts emphasize the importance of providing him with the right guidance and support to nurture his talent. With a strong support system and a level-headed approach, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has the potential to become a significant force in Indian cricket.