Dreams came early for Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a shy, cricket-mad 13-year-old schoolboy who is the youngest player in the history of the Indian Premier League.
The left-handed batter and spinner comes from India’s poorest state, Bihar, and his father is a farmer and part-time journalist, according to Indian media.
The teenager’s rise was rapid.
He made his national debut at the age of 12 during the Ranji Trophy in January and was then selected for the Indian under-19 team against a touring Australian team.
He quickly hit a century from 58 balls.
But it was the bidding war at the IPL players’ auction in Saudi Arabia on Monday that propelled the youngster into global headlines.
Rajasthan Royals bought him for $130,500, three times his base price.
He now finds himself among cricket’s elite in the world’s most popular and lucrative T20 tournament.
Rajasthan coach Rahul Dravid said he was impressed with the talent of Suryavanshi, who had undergone a trial with the team.
“I think he has very good skills,” said Dravid, the former India coach.
“We thought this might be a good environment for him to grow up.”
Suryavanshi is currently in the UAE for a U-19 Asia Cup tournament.
– “Wildest dreams” –
His father, Sanjeev, said he was surprised by what happened at the auction.
“I’m speechless… I don’t know what to say. This is a huge thing for our family,” he told The Indian Express newspaper.
“I had a feeling he would be chosen, but never in my wildest dreams did I think there would be a bidding war.”
He believes his son is on the right team if he is to fulfill his potential, although he is unlikely to play at the start of the season next year.
“Over the years, the Royals have nurtured the youngsters – be it Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel or Riyan Parag, all are products of the Rajasthan Royals franchise,” Sanjeev said.
“I sincerely hope that Vaibhav also follows the same path.”
His state coach Pramod Kumar described him as a calm boy who loves his cricket.
“He is the kind of player who came to Earth to play cricket, he is not satisfied with anything else,” Kumar told The Times of India newspaper.
“He barely talks, but ask him about cricket and he can go on day and night.”
Dates for next year’s IPL have not been released, but seasons typically run from March to May.
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