IPL 2025: From India's Poorest State To Richest T20 League, Teen Sensation Stuns Cricket World

India batting great Sachin Tendulkar led the plaudits for 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi after the Rajasthan Royals batter became the youngest centurion in men's Twenty20 cricket with a knock for the ages in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Suryavanshi had shown glimpses of his ability with a first-ball six on his IPL debut earlier this month, and on Monday his explosive talent was on full display as he tore apart Gujarat Titans with a 38-ball 101 in the Royals' eight-wicket win.

Rajasthan coach Rahul Dravid forgot about his leg injury and leapt from his wheelchair when Suryavanshi completed his ton in only 35 balls - the fastest by an Indian player in the league and second only to Chris Gayle's 30-ball century in 2013.

"Vaibhav's fearless approach, bat speed, picking the length early and transferring the energy behind the ball was the recipe behind a fabulous innings," Tendulkar posted on social media.

"End result: 101 runs off 38 balls. Well played!!"

Suryavanshi blasted 11 sixes and seven boundaries as he took established international bowlers to the cleaners before walking off to a standing ovation.

"What were you doing at 14?!!" wrote former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. "This kid is taking on the best bowlers in the world without blinking an eyelid ... Playing with a fearless attitude. Proud to see the next generation shine."

Former India skipper Krishnamachari Srikkanth, renowned as a big hitter during his era, said the nation had found its newest superstar.

"At 14, most kids dream and eat ice cream," he wrote.

"Vaibhav Suryavanshi delivers a fabulous 100 against one of the contenders for the IPL. Composure, class, and courage beyond his years. We're witnessing the rise of a phenom."

Commentator Harsha Bhogle agreed with the 1983 World Cup winner's assessment.

"He (Suryavanshi) is only a child, but how would you ever know once he puts that helmet on," he added.

"This is a staggering performance and a grand announcement."

The youngster also earned praise from Indian batting star Shubman Gill.

"It was Suryavanshi's day, his hitting was tremendous and he made full use of it," the Gujarat Titans captain said.

The fearless young left-hander, who was bought for $130,500 in November's player's auction when he was still only 13, comes from India's poorest state, Bihar, and his father is a farmer and part-time journalist, according to Indian media.

An explosive free-scoring batsman, who can also bowl spin, Suryavanshi 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 has been swift.

He made his domestic debut aged 12 in the Ranji Trophy in January 2024, then was selected for India's under-19 squad against a touring Australia team.

He promptly hit a 58-ball century -- the second fastest ton in youth Tests after England's Moeen Ali in 2005.

But it was the bidding war at the IPL player auction later that year that catapulted the youngster into global headlines.

Now he finds himself among the cricketing elite in the world's most popular and lucrative T20 tournament and has been lauded by former players.

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