Patna: Indian cricket has found a new prodigy in Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who at the age of 14 has rewritten the record books in Under-19 cricket by becoming the only player in the world to score three centuries in youth one-day internationals before turning 15.
The milestone was achieved during India’s recent Under-19 series against South Africa, where Suryavanshi produced a breathtaking innings of 127 from just 74 balls. His knock, played at a strike rate of over 170, featured nine fours and 10 sixes and underlined a level of maturity rarely seen in a player so young.
Until now, the record for the most centuries in youth ODIs before the age of 15 was held by Pakistan’s former captain Babar Azam, who had scored two. Suryavanshi not only surpassed that mark but set a new benchmark, placing himself alone at the top of a list that includes some of the most accomplished names in modern cricket.
Statistics show that only two players in the history of Under-19 cricket have managed more than one century before their 15th birthday: Babar Azam and Suryavanshi. The difference, however, is striking. Where Babar stopped at two, the Indian teenager has already reached three, turning a rare achievement into a historic one.
In the third youth ODI against South Africa, Suryavanshi dominated from the outset, putting the bowlers under sustained pressure with his timing, clean hitting, and fearless approach. His innings drew praise from selectors and former players, who described it as a glimpse of Indian cricket’s future.
Experts believe that what sets Suryavanshi apart is not just his power, but his composure. His shot selection, balance at the crease, and ability to shift gears suggest a maturity far beyond his years. Many see him as a potential match-winner in the making, provided he continues to receive the right guidance and opportunities.
For now, the teenager has already written his name into cricket history. The challenge ahead will be to nurture that talent carefully, but the promise is unmistakable: Vaibhav Suryavanshi has announced himself as a future star of Indian cricket.
