If you haven't heard the name Vaibhav Suryavanshi yet, you might be living under a rock. At just 14 years old, this kid isn't just playing for India U-19; he’s leading them as captain. On Monday, in the 2nd Youth ODI against South Africa, he showed exactly why the world is calling him the "Next Big Thing."
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Chasing a target of 246, India needed a solid start. Instead, they got a hurricane. Vaibhav Suryavanshi walked out and treated the South African bowlers like they were playing in his backyard. He smashed a jaw-dropping 68 runs off just 24 balls. Read that again. His knock included 10 massive sixes and only one four. It wasn't just batting; it was a statement. He reached his fifty in just 19 balls, making a professional game look like a video game on easy mode.
India was at 103/2 in just 11 overs when the drama happened. Vaibhav’s aggression didn't just put India ahead on the scoreboard; it completely broke the spirits of the Proteas. By the time he was out, the target felt like a formality.
Vaibhav’s rise over the last year has been nothing short of a fairy tale. After a stellar 2024, he became the talk of the town during the IPL 2025 auction, where Rajasthan Royals snatched him up for 1.10 crore, making him the youngest millionaire in league history. In 2025, he has already broken records for the fastest centuries in the Indian jersey, including a historic ton against Australia U-19.
Just as the Indian fans were enjoying the show, nature decided to intervene. The match was halted due to lightning at Willowmoore Park. Dark clouds hovered over the stadium, and the players were rushed off the field.
While the lightning stopped the play, the real electricity today came from the bat of Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Whether the match resumes or not, one thing is clear: the future of Indian cricket is in very young, very capable hands.
