The 2025 Indian Premier League witnessed a historic moment when 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi etched his name into the record books with a breathtaking century for Rajasthan Royals. Cricket fans, commentators, and legends are now asking: Has India found the next Sachin Tendulkar?
The Sachin Tendulkar Comparison: Why It Matters
When Sachin Tendulkar debuted as a 16-year-old in Karachi, he faced the world’s deadliest bowling attack. With no social media frenzy back then, he quietly carved a path to greatness, becoming the most loved and followed cricketer in the world.
Today, the story seems to repeat itself. Another boy from Mumbai, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, has taken the cricket world by storm — but this time, in a world amplified by social media and IPL buzz.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi – India’s Youngest IPL Centurion
When Rajasthan Royals acquired Vaibhav Suryavanshi for ₹1.1 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, most believed it was a marketing move. However, under the watchful eye of head coach Rahul Dravid, Vaibhav found his way into the playing XI. And what followed left the cricketing world stunned.
In a league match against Gujarat Titans, Vaibhav smashed a jaw-dropping century in just 35 balls, making him:
The youngest player to score a century in IPL
The fastest Indian to score a T20 century
The second-fastest century in T20 history behind Chris Gayle
He struck 7 fours and 11 sixes, effortlessly dismantling bowlers like Mohammed Siraj, Rashid Khan, Ishant Sharma, and Washington Sundar.
One of the greatest knocks in IPL history - and he's only 14! 😱
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) April 28, 2025
He's almost hit more sixes than his age! MORE: https://t.co/IJSZGDrhaJ pic.twitter.com/L7gXI7zDqp
Ian Bishop & Sachin Tendulkar React to the Young Prodigy
Even West Indies legend Ian Bishop commented that he saw shades of a young Sachin Tendulkar in Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who hogged the limelight with his mind-blowing 35-ball century in the Rajasthan Royals’ eight-wicket win against the Gujarat Titans. Vaibhav, became the youngest batsman to score a ton in T20 cricket, and became the fastest-ever Indian to reach the mark in IPL history.
Bishop was speaking to ESPNcricinfo after witnessing the brilliant knock on the batting-friendly Sawai Mansingh Stadium track, which saw the Royals chase down 210 in just 15.5 overs.
Bishop was impressed with the young 14-year-old who faced international bowlers like Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Rashid Khan with ease.
“There were shades of Sachin in Vaibhav’s innings. For a 14-year-old to take on Rashid, Siraj, and Sundar like that… it was unbelievable.”
Vaibhav showed brutal power-hitting skills against these seasoned international bowlers. He took Ishant Sharma to the cleaners with three sixes and two fours in one over and also took a liking to spinner Washington Sundar, hitting him for two sixes and a four to raise 2025 IPL’s fastest half-century off 17 balls. On his way to the hundred he hit Afghanistan fast bowler Karim Janat for three sixes and three fours in an over.
Even Sachin Tendulkar himself took to social media to share his thoughts:
“Vaibhav’s fearless approach, bat speed, and early length-picking were the recipe behind a fabulous innings. Well played!”
Vaibhav’s fearless approach, bat speed, picking the length early, and transferring the energy behind the ball was the recipe behind a fabulous innings.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 28, 2025
End result: 101 runs off 38 balls.
Well played!!pic.twitter.com/MvJLUfpHmn
T20 Evolution & The Rise of Fearless Cricket
Though comparing Vaibhav to Sachin may be premature, the fearless attitude the youngster showed was reminiscent of Tendulkar’s debut era. With the evolution of T20 cricket, youngsters now play with more freedom and less fear — a stark contrast to the pressure-filled days of Tendulkar’s early career.
Vaibhav is also a member of India’s U-19 squad, which adds to the belief that he’s being groomed for a big future in international cricket.
IPL 2025 Knock That Broke Records
100 off 35 balls
50 in just 17 deliveries
Took 3 sixes and 3 fours in one over from Karim Janat
Hit 3 sixes and 2 fours in one over from Ishant Sharma
Chased down a 210 target in just 15.5 overs
This wasn’t just a debut knock; it was a message to world cricket.
Watching Vaibhav Suryavanshi today felt like witnessing history in the making. At just 14, he has taken on a 200+ chase with a level of confidence beyond his years.
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) April 28, 2025
100 off 35 balls, and he made it look effortless. Well played, champ!👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/hvJSbALZFC
Is India’s Next Cricket Legend Here?
The cricket fraternity is buzzing with one question: Is Vaibhav Suryavanshi India’s next big thing?
While we may not crown him the next Sachin Tendulkar just yet, Vaibhav’s IPL century at 14 is a landmark achievement in Indian cricket history. He has shown signs of greatness — and with the right nurturing, he could be the next global superstar.
Final Thoughts
With his fearless mindset, power-hitting ability, and maturity beyond his years, Vaibhav Suryavanshi could be the face of a new era in Indian cricket. Whether he follows in the footsteps of Sachin Tendulkar or forges a new path altogether, one thing is certain — a diamond has been unearthed again.
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