'Woke Up To Watch An 8th Grader': Google CEO Sundar Pichai Hails 14-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Stunning IPL Debut
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday, April 19 turned into a historic moment for 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi who made his much-anticipated IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals, becoming the youngest player to feature in the league’s history.
But what truly lit up the night was not just his age it was his fearless performance that drew global attention, including a tweet from none other than Google CEO Sundar Pichai.
“Woke up to watch an 8th grader play in the IPL!!!! What a debut!” Pichai wrote on X (formerly Twitter), summing up the awe felt by millions watching the prodigy in action.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi joins elite list
Hailing from Bihar’s Samastipur district, Suryavanshi was drafted into the playing XI after regular captain Sanju Samson was ruled out due to a thumb injury. The left-hander wasted no time announcing his arrival, smashing the first ball he faced for a towering six a moment that electrified the stadium and placed him in an elite group of players who’ve done the same on debut.
By hitting a six on his first delivery, Suryavanshi joined an exclusive club that includes players like Rob Quiney (RR), Kevon Cooper (RR), Andre Russell (KKR), Carlos Brathwaite (DD, now Delhi Capitals), Aniket Choudhary (RCB), Javon Searles (KKR), Siddesh Lad (MI), Mahesh Theekshana (CSK), and Sameer Rizvi (CSK).
Vaibhav Suryavanshi shine son debut
Suryavanshi scored a brisk 34 off 20 deliveries and shared an 85-run opening stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal, setting a strong foundation for the Royals in their chase of 181. His clean strokeplay and fearless attitude belied his age, validating the Rajasthan Royals’ decision to invest ₹1.1 crore in him at just 13 during the IPL 2025 auction.
Although Rajasthan narrowly fell short by 2 runs against Lucknow Super Giants thanks to Avesh Khan’s clutch bowling the night belonged to a schoolboy
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