Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s enthusiasm for 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s IPL debut has only added to the growing excitement surrounding this young sensation. Pichai, who took to his official X account, expressed his admiration for the teenager’s fearless batting, revealing that he woke up specifically to witness the historic moment. In his post, he said, "Woke up to watch an 8th grader play in the IPL!!!! What a debut!" This sentiment echoed the awe of millions of fans, cricket enthusiasts, and sports figures who were watching Suryavanshi’s debut unfold live.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who was picked by Rajasthan Royals as the youngest player in IPL history during the 2025 IPL auction, didn’t just make his debut, he made a statement. Coming in to open the innings for RR in their challenging chase of 181 against Lucknow Super Giants, he replaced the injured Sanju Samson. What followed was an awe-inspiring display of confident strokeplay and maturity far beyond his years.
On just his first ball in the IPL, Suryavanshi pulled off an incredible six off Shardul Thakur, leaving the cricketing world in sheer disbelief. His batting throughout the short stint in the middle was a revelation, and he scored a solid 34 runs off 20 balls. His fearless approach and crisp shots had the Jaipur crowd on their feet and even attracted the attention of former cricketers who were full of praise for the young talent. On the JioHotstar broadcast, Sanjay Manjrekar commented on the significance of the moment, remarking that it must have been a proud and emotional one for Suryavanshi’s parents.
From the moment Suryavanshi was picked by Rajasthan Royals, the hype surrounding him had been massive. As the youngest-ever player in IPL history to be sold at the auction, expectations were high, but he stepped onto the field with poise and calm under pressure. Even though his debut innings ended when he was stumped by Rishabh Pant off Aiden Markram’s bowling, the teenager had already made his mark, living up to all the buzz and excitement. The 85-run partnership between Suryavanshi and fellow opener Yashasvi Jaiswal created a solid foundation for the chase, and it seemed like the Rajasthan Royals were on track for a memorable win.
However, despite the young opener’s dazzling debut, Rajasthan Royals faltered in the middle overs, with their batting order failing to sustain the momentum. Their hopes of a successful chase were dashed when LSG pacer Avesh Khan bowled a brilliant final over, helping Lucknow Super Giants edge out Rajasthan by a narrow 2-run margin. Despite the loss, the day belonged to Suryavanshi, whose fearless approach in his first IPL match has set the stage for what could be a bright future ahead.
His remarkable debut has caught the eye of the global cricketing community and beyond. Sundar Pichai’s praise was just one example of the outpouring of support for the youngster. In the world of modern cricket, where youth have often been seen rising through the ranks faster than ever before, Suryavanshi represents a new wave of prodigies with immense potential.
Even though he is only 14, his composure and skill displayed in such a high-pressure situation on a grand stage like the IPL is a testament to his dedication and talent. The attention he has garnered from tech industry leaders, former cricketers, and passionate fans alike highlights just how impactful and inspiring this moment has been for the sport.
Looking ahead, Suryavanshi’s IPL journey is one that will undoubtedly be closely followed. His debut not only marks a milestone for the youngest-ever player in the IPL but also signals the beginning of what could become a remarkable career in Indian cricket. The story of this young cricketer is far from over, and his future performances will be eagerly anticipated as he continues to develop and carve a niche for himself in the IPL.
If you're keen to follow how this young star performs in the coming matches or want to know more about the reactions from legends and fans, feel free to stay updated with the latest news on his journey through the IPL.