In the glitzy halls of Jeddah, where cricket dreams are turned into million-dollar realities, a 13-year-old boy from Bihar carved his name into history. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the youngest-ever entrant in an IPL auction, walked away with a ₹1.10 crore deal with Rajasthan Royals, outshining seasoned campaigners and living a story that seems almost too good to be true.

Hailing from the small town of Samastipur, Vaibhav’s tryst with cricket began in his backyard, where his father, Sanjeev Suryavanshi, set up a makeshift playing area after spotting his son’s unwavering obsession with the game. By the age of nine, Vaibhav had joined a cricket academy, his natural talent quickly making him a standout.

But it wasn’t just raw talent. By 12, Vaibhav had already donned the Bihar jersey in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, amassing 400 runs in five matches. His fearless approach came to the fore in September 2024, when he smashed a jaw-dropping 62-ball 104 against Australia U-19 in a youth Test in Chennai. That knock wasn’t just a statement; it was a declaration that the future of Indian cricket was in safe hands.

Earlier this year, he became the second-youngest player in Ranji Trophy history, debuting for Bihar at just 12 years and 284 days. Though his first-class stats – 100 runs in 10 innings – may not stand out, his composure and shot selection have impressed selectors and scouts alike. His consistent performances earned him a place in the India U-19 squad for the ACC Asia Cup 2024, a critical milestone ahead of the ICC U-19 World Cup.

At the IPL 2025 mega auction, held on November 24 and 25, Vaibhav entered with a base price of ₹30 lakh. What followed was a bidding war that captivated the cricketing world. Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals jostled for the prodigy before Rajasthan sealed the deal at ₹1.10 crore, a sum reflective of both his promise and marketability.

Rajasthan Royals, a franchise known for backing young talent, has entrusted this teenager with a shot at the big league. Vaibhav’s inclusion in their roster is not just a testament to his ability but also a nod to the changing dynamics of cricket, where age is no barrier to ambition.

For now, Vaibhav remains a boy who enjoys mangoes after practice and finishes his school homework before dreaming of batting against IPL’s finest bowlers. But come April, when he dons the Royals’ jersey, the cricketing world will watch closely, knowing they are witnessing the dawn of something extraordinary.