Picture Credit: X/IPL
On Monday, April 28, 14-year-old youngster Vaibhav Suryavanshi announced himself on the world stage with a well made century, which came off just 35 deliveries during Rajasthan Royals’ home win against Gujarat Titans in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. With this 101-run knock off 38 deliveries, Vaibhav Suryavanshi not only became the youngster centurion in men’s T20 cricket, but also smashed the second fastest 100.
This match-winning knock of the Bihar boy earned him accolades from all corners of the world and among them, former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja also could not hold back as he lauded the youngster for his hitting brilliance. Speaking with the broadcasters, JioHotstar, Jadeja heaped praise of Suryavanshi’s strokeplay while adding that cricket in India might not be same again while citing example of MS Dhoni's arrival.
It was just unbelievable: Ajay Jadeja hails Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s strokeplay
“Some shots he played, you have to have to first dream of them before you can execute them. For a 14-year-old to think like that is unbelievable. Go back to the first ball he faced three matches ago against Shardul Thakur, and he showed then that he belonged. When he got out after scoring 30 that day, he was visibly emotional, almost in tears, but within minutes, he was smiling again in the dugout,” the former India cricketer said.
The 54-year-old further cited that how MS Dhoni’s arrival changed the brand of cricket in India, and this knock will once again change how it is played. “The ability to overcome emotions at 14 is massive. His mindset is special. I’m not directly comparing it, but just like MS Dhoni’s arrival changed changed belief among kids from smaller towns, this moment could change how every 14-15 year old across India imagines their journey. Cricket in India won’t be the same again,” Jadeja added.
Speaking of the 14-year-old, in his three innings so far in IPL 2025, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has amassed 151 runs at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 215.71. He will aim to continue his brilliant run with the bat when the Royals next host Mumbai Indians in Jaipur on May 1.
