Vaibhav Suryavanshi is not your average teenager. At an age when most are worrying about board exams, the 14-year-old batting prodigy is already an U-19 World Cup hero and the youngest centurion in IPL history. Speaking at the BCCI Naman Awards on Sunday, the Rajasthan Royals sensation made his 2026 goals crystal clear: bring the IPL trophy back to Jaipur and hunt down the most iconic record in T20 history.
Fresh off a record-extending sixth U-19 World Cup title for India, where he smashed a jaw-dropping 175 off 80 balls in the final against England, Suryavanshi has officially shifted his focus to the Pink City of Rajasthan
When asked to choose between hitting six sixes in an over, breaking the record for the fastest century, or surpassing Chris Gayle’s legendary 175-run knock, Suryavanshi didn’t blink.
“Breaking that 175 record,” he said without hesitation.
The record, set by Gayle for RCB back in 2013, has stood untouched for 13 years. However, Suryavanshi has form when it comes to chasing "The King." In IPL 2025, he nearly broke Gayle's record for the fastest century (30 balls), reaching triple digits in just 35 balls against Gujarat Titans, becoming the fastest Indian to do so.
| Achievement | Detail |
|---|---|
| U-19 World Cup Final | 175 runs (80 balls) vs. England |
| Fastest IPL Century (Indian) | 35 balls (vs. Gujarat Titans, 2025) |
| IPL Signing Age | 13 years old (Rs 1.1 crore, 2024) |
| Role Model/Mentor | Rahul Dravid |
Rajasthan Royals' scouting network, tracked him from his domestic debut in Bihar through the U-19 circuits. Picked up as a 13-year-old for Rs 1.1 crore, the youngster credited the franchise for his rapid development.
Learning from the best: Suryavanshi highlighted the influence of Rahul Dravid and the senior leadership at RR during his first camp.
Mission: "The goal this IPL season is to win the trophy for the team... My goal is to contribute to RR’s wins and win the trophy for the franchise."
Preparation: Having already turned heads in Australia and England with centuries, the teen enters IPL 2026 with more overseas experience than many veterans.
With the IPL 2026 season fast approaching, all eyes will be on the top of the order for Rajasthan Royals. Suryavanshi isn't just playing for the stats; he's playing for the silverware. If his U-19 form is any indication, Chris Gayle’s 175 might finally be under genuine threat from a kid who wasn't even born when the "Universe Boss" set it.