Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old Rajasthan Royals batsman, scripted history in T20 cricket by becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in the format. In a thrilling IPL 2025 encounter against Gujarat Titans, the left-hander smashed a blistering fifty off just 17 balls, the fastest of the current IPL season. His milestone innings not only made him the youngest to reach a T20 fifty at 14 years and 32 days, but also marked the fastest fifty of the tournament, instantly turning him into one of the most talked-about names in world cricket.
The Royals were given a target of 210 by Gujarat Titans, but Suryavanshi’s fearless strokeplay immediately shifted the momentum. He reached his fifty with a boundary off Washington Sundar on the final delivery of the fifth over, leaving commentators and fans in disbelief.
With that, the young man shattered the previous T20 record held by Hassan Eisakhil, who scored a fifty at 15 years and 360 days in Afghanistan’s Shpageeza League 2022. He also displaced Riyan Parag as the youngest IPL half-centurion, surpassing Parag’s record (17 years, 175 days) set in 2019 against Delhi Capitals.
Suryavanshi had already caught attention when he became the youngest IPL debutant, turning out for RR against Lucknow Super Giants just nine days earlier at the age of 14 years and 23 days. He marked the occasion by launching Shardul Thakur for six on his very first ball.
The Royals bought the left-handed batter for Rs 1.10 crore at the IPL 2024 auction, a decision that now looks like a smart one. After scoring 34 and 16 in his first two matches, the young player made a strong impact in his third game.
The young Delhi-born cricketer also made headlines last year when he represented India U19 in the Asia Cup in the UAE, forming a solid opening pair with Ayush Mhatre.