Patna: Bihar cricket has received a global spotlight after Vaibhav Suryavanshi was named to TIME100 Next 2026, TIME’s annual list of 100 rising figures whose work is helping shape the future.
At 15, Suryavanshi is the youngest person on this year’s list and the only Indian athlete included. He is also one of seven athletes featured in the 2026 TIME100 Next selection.
The recognition comes after a rapid rise that has taken the young left-handed batter from Bihar into the IPL, India’s Under-19 World Cup-winning side and the senior international setup.
From Bihar To The IPL
Suryavanshi began attracting attention at a very young age before making his mark in professional cricket.
The Rajasthan Royals picked him at the 2024 IPL auction, and he made his IPL debut in April 2025 at the age of 14.
He soon produced one of the most notable performances of his early career, scoring an IPL century from 35 balls. The innings made him the youngest batter to score a century in the tournament.
175 In The Under-19 World Cup Final
His profile grew further during the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, where he played a key role in India’s title-winning campaign.
In the final against England, Suryavanshi scored 175 runs from 80 balls, with 15 fours and 15 sixes. India won the final by 100 runs and secured its sixth Under-19 World Cup title.
Suryavanshi finished the tournament with 439 runs at a strike rate of 169.49 and was named Player of the Tournament. He was subsequently selected in the ICC’s Team of the Tournament.
Rapid Rise In Senior Cricket
The teenager’s performances also led to opportunities in senior cricket.
The ICC has highlighted his transition from Under-19 cricket to the IPL and India’s senior setup as part of an unusually rapid rise. Former India coach Rahul Dravid also noted in August that Suryavanshi’s exposure to both white-ball and red-ball cricket could be significant for his development.
By September 2026, Suryavanshi had also begun attracting attention beyond India, with his performances placing him among the young cricketers being closely followed internationally.
TIME100 Next Recognition
TIME describes TIME100 Next as a list of 100 emerging figures from around the world who are shaping the future and defining the next generation of leadership. The list covers fields including sport, entertainment, business, science, culture and other areas.
Suryavanshi’s inclusion places him alongside emerging figures from different fields rather than being a cricket-only ranking.
His selection follows a year in which he has added an Under-19 World Cup title and Player of the Tournament award to his earlier IPL achievements.
A New Global Milestone For Bihar
Suryavanshi’s journey from Bihar to the IPL and the international stage has already produced several notable milestones.
His 175 in the Under-19 World Cup final, IPL century and subsequent progress into senior cricket have helped establish him as one of India’s most closely watched young cricketers.
Now, with his inclusion in TIME100 Next 2026, the teenager has added a global recognition outside cricket’s usual award and tournament structure to his growing list of achievements.
