NEW DELHI: Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s fan base is growing at an astonishing pace. Wherever the teenage sensation plays, crowds gather in anticipation of his batting fireworks — and the youngster rarely disappoints. He also makes sure to acknowledge the love he receives. A perfect example came during Bihar’s recent Ranji Trophy clash against Arunachal Pradesh at the Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna.After Bihar’s innings-and-165-run victory, hundreds of fans waited eagerly near the stands, hoping to catch a glimpse of their hometown hero. The 14-year-old prodigy walked towards the boundary ropes after the match, smiling and waving at the supporters who greeted him with loud cheers and chants. The stadium echoed with the tune of “Jai ho Bihar ke lala,” as Suryavanshi responded to the applause with folded hands.Playing his first Ranji Trophy match of the 2025 season, the left-handed batter couldn’t make a big score this time — dismissed for 14 by Arunachal’s Yab Niya — but the excitement around him was undiminished. Bihar have named Suryavanshi vice-captain for their first two matches this season, with Sakibul Gani leading the side.Watch the video hereBihar, relegated to the Plate Group after a winless campaign last season, are banking on young talents like Suryavanshi to script a turnaround. The Patna-born cricketer made his Ranji debut at just 12 during the 2023–24 season and has since risen rapidly through the ranks.At 13, he became the youngest player to earn an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract when Rajasthan Royals picked him ahead of the 2025 season. He went on to smash a 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans — the second-fastest hundred in IPL history — becoming the youngest male cricketer ever to score a T20 century at 14.Suryavanshi may not feature for Bihar throughout the season as he is expected to be in contention for India’s Under-19 World Cup squad, set to tour Zimbabwe and Namibia early next year.
