The meteoric rise of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old cricket sensation, has been nothing short of captivating. His record-breaking performances in the recent IPL season, including a blistering century, have not only shattered records but also ignited a fierce debate surrounding his age. As the youngest player to achieve numerous milestones, including the fastest century by an Indian in IPL history, questions about the legitimacy of his age have swirled, fueled by skepticism from fans and former cricketers alike. Now, Vaibhav's father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, has stepped forward to address these persistent rumours head-on, determined to set the record straight.
The controversy gained momentum following Vaibhav's IPL debut, where his extraordinary power-hitting and mature gameplay prompted some to question whether a 14-year-old could genuinely possess such skill. Former Pakistan cricketer Junaid Khan was among the vocal critics, expressing doubts about Vaibhav's age after witnessing his performance in the U-19 Asia Cup. Adding fuel to the fire, an old video resurfaced online, purportedly showing Vaibhav stating in 2023 that he would turn 14 that September, contradicting official records that list his birth date as March 27, 2011.
In response to the mounting allegations, Sanjiv Suryavanshi has staunchly defended his son, asserting the family's transparency and emphasizing that Vaibhav's age has been verified through official channels. He highlighted that Vaibhav had undergone a bone test approved by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at the age of eight, which confirmed his age. Sanjiv has reiterated that the family has never concealed any information and remains confident in Vaibhav's eligibility based on these official assessments.
"The truth will come out," Sanjiv stated firmly in a recent interview. "We have nothing to hide. Vaibhav has been playing cricket since a very young age, and his age has always been a matter of public record. The BCCI has conducted its due diligence, and we are confident that any further investigations will only reinforce what we already know – Vaibhav is indeed 14 years old."
Adding an interesting twist to the narrative, a photo circulated on social media, showing a young Vaibhav, supposedly six years old, cheering for the Rising Pune Supergiants in 2017. Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka inadvertently added weight to the argument supporting Vaibhav's stated age by sharing the image. If the boy in the picture was indeed six in 2017, it would align with Vaibhav being 14 years old in 2025.
Vaibhav's childhood coach at Zenith Cricket Academy, Manish Ojha, has also come forward to vouch for the young cricketer's age. Ojha stated that Vaibhav has cleared all age-verification protocols, including a bone density test conducted under BCCI supervision, dismissing the allegations as baseless. He emphasized that the BCCI, known for its strict enforcement in the wake of past age-related scandals, has certified Vaibhav's age after rigorous checks, including document verification, medical evaluations, and independent cross-checking.
Despite the controversies, Vaibhav continues to shine on the field, proving his talent and determination. His father's unwavering support and the backing of his coach underscore the family's commitment to transparency and their belief in Vaibhav's legitimate age. As the BCCI rolls out new rules to further clamp down on age fraud, the case of Vaibhav Suryavanshi serves as a reminder of the pressures and scrutiny faced by young athletes in the spotlight. For now, the Suryavanshi family remains steadfast in their conviction that the truth will prevail, and Vaibhav will continue to let his bat do the talking.
