Picture Credit: X/IPL
On Sunday, May 4, the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) in a virtual inauguration ceremony. However, the Indian PM addressed the gathering virtually after being unable to travel to Patna, Bihar amid the tight security meetings following the tragic Pahalgam attacks in the country. In a notable move, while addressing the Games, PM Modi also hailed the teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who rose to fame in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
It is to be noted that 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi came into limelight after becoming the youngest centurion in the IPL history when he smashed a 35-ball 100, aged 14 years and 32 days against Gujarat Titans at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. While he became the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket, he also surpassed Yusuf Pathan to become the fastest Indian to score a hundred.
Jo jitna khelega, wo utna khilega: PM Narendra Modi motivates youngsters to play at different levels
Addressing the Khelo India Youth Games, the Indian PM also mentioned Bihar-born youngster for his recent achievements. “We all have seen the outstanding performance of the son of Bihar, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, in IPL. Vaibhav has created such a big record at this young age. Behind his game, there is his labour for sure, but playing matches at different levels has also helped him,” he said during his inaugural address.
"It means 'jo jitna khelega, wo utna khilega (The more one plays, the more he will bloom)," he added. It is to be noted that Vaibhav Suryavanshi was bought by Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 mega auction in November 2024 for INR 1.1 Crore. However, he hasn’t featured in many games so far, but in five innings, he has amassed 155 runs at an average of 31 and a strike rate of 209.45.
