Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 14, Smashes 144 in Asia Cup

At just 14, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has become the new face of India’s cricketing future. The young left-handed opener from Bihar stunned the cricketing world on Friday with a blistering 144 off 42 balls for India A against the UAE in the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 at Doha. His knock — packed with 11 fours and 15 sixes — was pure fireworks and marked the joint-second-fastest century by an Indian in T20 cricket.

A Century Born from a Missed Chance

The match could have begun very differently for the teenage sensation. On the very first ball of the innings, UAE captain Alishan Sharafu dropped a straightforward catch at cover — a moment that would haunt the UAE side for the rest of the evening.
What followed was an exhibition of raw power and fearless batting. Suryavanshi unleashed an assault on the bowlers, racing to his century in just 32 balls, displaying a mix of clean striking and exquisite timing.

Coaches and Experts Left Awestruck

Former India cricketer and UAE head coach Lalchand Rajput was among the first to praise the young gun.
“Suryavanshi’s knock was electrifying,” Rajput said from Doha. “His timing and clean hitting were exceptional. Even his mishits were clearing the boundary. We had a plan for him, but that drop on the first ball changed everything.”

Bihar’s Pride and Rising Star

Bihar Ranji team coach Vinayak Samant could barely contain his joy seeing his vice-captain dominate on an international stage.
“He’s a very special and gifted player,” Samant said. “I have no doubt that Vaibhav will play for India soon — maybe even next year. His talent reminds me of a young Rohit Sharma, but his aggression is very Sehwag-like. He can destroy any bowling attack when he’s in rhythm.”

Samant added that Suryavanshi’s maturity sets him apart: “He’s not just about hitting sixes. His ground strokes, especially those cover drives, were beautiful to watch. He’s learning to balance aggression with patience.”

The Journey So Far

Suryavanshi’s rise hasn’t been sudden. His recent performances for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 and for the India U-19 team in Australia have already made him a name to watch.

In domestic cricket, the youngster has played a handful of Ranji Trophy matches for Bihar, impressing with both his temperament and adaptability. In one of his most recent outings, he scored 93 off 67 balls against Meghalaya after a patient 14-run knock in a tough match at Patna.

Dedication Beyond His Age

Samant highlighted the 14-year-old’s commitment to his team and game. “Even after joining the India A camp, he kept checking on the Bihar team’s progress. That kind of loyalty reminds me of Sachin Tendulkar, who always followed Mumbai cricket no matter where he played.”
After his return from Australia, Suryavanshi reportedly went straight to the Bihar nets — a reflection of his grounded nature despite his rapid fame.

IPL Stint and Early Fame

Suryavanshi’s first taste of fame came during the IPL 2025 season when he blasted a 35-ball century for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans, making him the youngest cricketer ever to score a T20 hundred.

Since then, he’s been on every scout’s radar, hailed for his fearless approach and maturity at the crease.

Constructive Criticism from Experts

While the cricketing world is buzzing with praise, Rajasthan Royals’ high-performance director Zubin Bharucha offered a measured take.
“The bowling attack wasn’t great, but the boy still had to play those shots,” Bharucha said. “His goal was to reach fifty inside the Power Play, and he executed that perfectly. Still, he needs to work on his back-foot play because top-level bowlers will test that area.”

Youngest T20 Centurion and Beyond

At 14, Vaibhav Suryavanshi is now officially the youngest player to score a century in T20 cricket, a record that puts him in elite company. His ability to dominate in pressure situations and his maturity in reading the game have already marked him as India’s next big batting hope.

Conclusion

From the small lanes of Bihar to the grand stage of the Asia Cup Rising Stars, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s journey is the stuff of dreams. His fearless 144 off 42 balls has not only broken records but also announced the arrival of a new prodigy.

As India searches for its next generation of cricketing stars, one name — Vaibhav Suryavanshi — is shining brighter than ever.