In a season already brimming with surprises, one name has emerged as a sensation unlike any seen before in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old left-handed batter from Samastipur district in Bihar, scored a blistering century in just his third IPL match. Suryavanshi, representing Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, smashed a hundred off just 35 balls, silencing critics and leaving legends in awe. In the eyes of many, this was not just a performance – it was a proclamation that a new era has arrived. Born in Tajpur village of Bihar’s Samastipur district, Vaibhav began his cricket journey at the age of nine at Zenith Cricket Academy. His rise through the ranks has been meteoric. By 12, he had made his Ranji Trophy debut. By 13, he had entered the Vijay Hazare Trophy circuit. Later that same year, Rajasthan Royals snapped him up at the IPL auction for a staggering Rs 1.10 crore. Despite his dazzling form, Vaibhav has found himself at the centre of controversy. Many observers have questioned whether the teenager is, in fact, just 14, citing his physical build and composure on the field as being beyond his stated age. The debate reached fever pitch after his IPL heroics, with critics openly questioning the legitimacy of his age documentation. But Manish Ojha, Vaibhav’s coach at Zenith Academy, has firmly pushed back against the rumours. “He has cleared all age-verification protocols, including a bone density test conducted under BCCI supervision,” Ojha told Dainik Bhaskar. “We are not here to satisfy everyone’s curiousity,” he said, adding that the BCCI, a credible and thorough institution, had certified his age after reviewing all documents. “Vaibhav Suryavanshi is not just a cricketer – he’s an asset to the country. It’s our duty to protect him from baseless criticism and let him focus entirely on the game,” he further added. While IPL success is propelling Vaibhav toward stardom, an International Cricket Council (ICC) rule may delay his debut on the international stage. Under a regulation introduced in 2020, players must be at least 15 years old to appear in international matches. Vaibhav, who turns 15 on March 27, 2026, narrowly misses that cutoff for upcoming events. However, the ICC rule includes a special exemption clause that allows younger players to debut if they demonstrate sufficient mental and physical maturity, along with substantial playing experience. The decision rests with the ICC, provided the BCCI submits a formal request for exemption. As it stands, the national cricket team is set to tour England in June. With selectors reportedly considering another 17-year-old for the squad, murmurs are growing louder that Vaibhav, too, might be fast-tracked into the national team, should the ICC grant special permission. Whether or not he gets the green light from the ICC this year, Vaibhav’s trajectory seems inevitable. Coach Manish Ojha is confident that the 2026 T20 World Cup could be the teenager’s breakthrough on the international stage. “He’s already proven he can handle pressure at the highest level. I believe he will be ready – mentally and physically – for Team India in 2026,” Ojha said.