India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with 14-year-old cricket prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi and his family at Patna airport on Friday, calling the teen a “young cricketing sensation” whose skills are being “admired all over the nation.” The brief but high-profile meeting underscores the meteoric rise of one of IPL 2025’s most unexpected breakout stars—and now, perhaps, one of Indian cricket’s brightest future hopes.
From auction surprise to IPL record-breaker
Vaibhav Suryavanshi stunned the cricketing world last year when Rajasthan Royals secured his services for ₹1.1 crore at the IPL mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. At just 14, he became the youngest “crorepati” in the tournament’s history—drawing both excitement and scrutiny.
Initially kept on the fringes of the playing XI and mentored by Rahul Dravid, Vaibhav got his break when an injury sidelined Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson. What followed was nothing short of historic.
He announced himself with a six on debut and continued to impress with maturity well beyond his years. As the tournament progressed, he became the youngest centurion in IPL history, earning comparisons to a young Sachin Tendulkar.
Modi’s Mann Ki Baat spotlight and personal congratulations
Even before Friday’s meeting, Prime Minister Modi had already acknowledged the teen’s exploits during his monthly Mann Ki Baat broadcast.
“I have seen in the IPL, the son of Bihar, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s spectacular performance. At such a young age, Vaibhav has set such a great record. There is a lot of hard work behind Vaibhav’s performance,” PM Modi said.
He went on to underscore the importance of consistent competition and government support for grassroots sports: “To bring his talent to the forefront, he has played many matches at different levels. The more you play, the more you will shine. Competing in matches and competitions as much as possible is very important. The NDA government has always given it the highest priority in its policies.”
On Friday, Modi reiterated his admiration for the youngster in a post on social media: “At Patna airport, met the young cricketing sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi and his family. His cricketing skills are being admired all over the nation! My best wishes to him for his future endeavours.”
A star from Bihar captures the nation’s imagination
Vaibhav’s rise carries even greater symbolic significance given his roots in Bihar, a region often underrepresented in elite Indian cricket. His story has struck a chord with fans across the country, and now, with Modi himself.
With government leaders recognizing his talent, major franchises investing in his future, and cricketing legends like Dravid nurturing his development, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s path appears paved for greatness. For now, he remains a teenager living a dream—but with every innings, he’s building a legacy.
At Patna airport, met the young cricketing sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi and his family. His cricketing skills are being admired all over the nation! My best wishes to him for his future endeavours. pic.twitter.com/pvUrbzdyU6
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 30, 2025
