Who is Vaibhav Suryavanshi? 5 interesting facts about the 13-year-old who smashed the fastest century in youth Tests for India

Rewriting the history books, 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest batter to score a century in youth Tests. What was more special was the fact that it came off just 58 deliveries, making him the fastest centurion in U19 Tests for India. The overall record is held by Moeen Ali, who scored a century off just 56 deliveries in 2005.

Suryavanshi achieved the landmark during the ongoing youth Test against Australia. Courtesy of his superb knock, India managed to secure a slender three-run first innings lead. He went on a rampage right from the outset and the Australian bowlers couldn't find an answer in front of his onslaught.

On the back of superb spells from Samarth Nagaraj and Mohammed Enann, India managed to bowl Australia out for just 293 runs in the first innings. It was a belligerent start from the Indian openers with Vihaan Malhotra and Suryavanshi both looking to score runs right from the outset. The duo shared a 133-run stand inside the 19th over which put India in a commanding position.

Suryavanshi, who was batting on 81 at the end of Day 1, reached the elusive landmark in the morning session of Day 2. His knock of 104 came off a mere 62 deliveries and was studded with 14 fours and 4 sixes before an unfortunate run-out cut short his brilliant knock.

Despite Suryavanshi’s heroics, India couldn't quite seize control of the game and just about toppled Australia’s first-innings score. When the second day ended, Australia’s score read 110/4, leading India by 107 runs. India would certainly look to come back strongly on Day 3 and would be hopeful that Suryavanshi can continue his heroics in the second innings as well.

Having said that, let us have a look at 5 interesting facts about Vaibhav Suryavanshi

# 1. Suryavanshi became the second youngest debutant in first-class cricket earlier this year

This is not the first time Suryavanshi hogged the limelight. His moment of recognition came earlier this year when the stylish left-handed batter became the youngest ever in the history of the game to play first-class cricket. Suryavanshi, aged 12 years and 284 days, made his Ranji Trophy debut against Mumbai in January.

In the process, he broke Yuvraj Singh and Sachin Tendulkar's record of being the youngest to play first-class cricket. The overall record is held by Alimuddin who became the youngest first-class debutant at the age of 12 years and 73 days back in the 1942-1943 season.

# 2. Suryavanshi’s rise to the senior level

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s rise to the top wasn't something that came out of the blue. He thrashed the bowlers to all corners of the park during several local tournaments in Bihar. He is a proper modern-day batter who has all the ingredients to make history at the senior level as well.

In an inter-district tournament named the Heman Trophy, Vaibhav became the top run scorer with more than 800 runs in just 8 games, eclipsing the likes of several seasoned batters from Bihar. He also batted brilliantly in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, scoring 400 runs in just five matches.

Vaibhav went on from strength to strength and the U-19 Challenger Trophy was the next big step towards his senior debut. He scored two fine half-centuries in five games and also impressed the selectors during an U-23 camp which eventually paved the way for his Ranji Trophy call-up.

# 3. Vaibhav’s father noticed the initial spark

Son of a farmer, Vaibhav was just four years old when his father noticed his ward smashing plastic balls with power, which you hardly associate with someone so young. Vaibhav started his cricketing career under his father’s guidance. As time progressed, he built a small playing area in their backyard where his son could practice.

“I was inclined towards sports as a kid. My father is a farmer. He built a small playing area for me. I used to practice there. There were some kids in my neighbourhood. My father used to call them and asked them to bowl at me.

That's how it began. He used to say ‘bat-ball khelega, cricketer banega na (you will play with bat and ball and become a cricketer right?). He had confidence in me,” Vaibhav recalled during an interview with Times of India earlier this year.

# 4. Suryavanshi is the youngest to score a youth Test century

Courtesy of his stellar century against the Australian youth team in the ongoing Test match, Suryavanshi became the youngest ever to score a century in Youth Tests. The stylish southpaw treated the Australian bowlers disdainfully and scored at an exceptional strike rate.

You hardly hear a 13-year-old kid get off the blocks so quickly in his career. While players like Sachin Tendulkar and Prithvi Shaw showed incredible talent during their early days, Suryavanshi's age makes this record even more special. He will certainly look to make another match-winning impact in the second innings of the Test.

# 5. Suryavanshi idolizes Brian Lara

Vaibhav is heavily inspired by former West Indies great Brian Lara who remains one of the most decorated batters to have ever graced the game of cricket. He has a wide collection of Lara’s batting videos. Vaibhav has watched Lara’s incredible knock of 400 against England (Antigua 2004) innumerable times.

“My idol is Brian Lara. I watch his videos and batting style. I just love his 400 not out innings. I have watched it several times. The best thing about him is that he doesn't leave the match in between. He doesn't give up. I have seen the match winning attitude in him and this is the top most thing I want to learn from him. I just love the way he used to take the match till the end and then win it. I want to dominate the bowlers the way Lara did,” Suryavanshi said during the T0I interview.

The left-hander feels that he is still very young and has a long way to go. He hopes to take one step at a time and learn as much as he can before transitioning into top-flight cricket. He further wants to meet his idol Lara and says that he will pinch himself before taking his blessings. He added that it has been a childhood dream for him to meet Lara.