New Delhi [India], April 29: Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja expressed sheer admiration for Rajasthan Royals’ prodigious 14-year-old batter, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, after his record-shattering century against Gujarat Titans in Jaipur. Jadeja believes the teenager’s sensational performance will have a lasting impact on Indian cricket.
Suryavanshi dazzled at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium during a high-scoring thriller, helping Rajasthan Royals secure an 8-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans. The left-handed teen reached a century in just 35 deliveries—the fastest by an Indian in IPL history, and the second-fastest ever in the tournament after Chris Gayle’s 30-ball ton in 2013.
What impressed Jadeja most was Suryavanshi’s remarkable ability to adapt and maneuver the ball, using his technique and power to clear the boundary 11 times, finishing with an explosive 101 from 38 balls. His audacity and maturity at such a young age left Jadeja in awe.
“Some of the shots he played, you first have to dream of them before executing. For a 14-year-old to think like that is unbelievable. Just like MS Dhoni’s arrival changed the belief of kids from smaller towns, Suryavanshi’s performance could inspire the 14-15-year-olds across India to dream differently. Cricket in India won’t be the same again,” Jadeja said on JioHotstar.
Suryavanshi’s breathtaking assault against Gujarat Titans’ seasoned bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Ishant Sharma showed that the young star is unafraid to take on the biggest challenges. He also dismantled Rashid Khan’s spin, leaving a huge dent in GT’s hopes of defending their imposing target.
Jadeja, who has witnessed legendary performances in his career, couldn’t help but compare Suryavanshi’s performance to the legends of the game: “I’ve never seen such a fabulous performance. We had Sachin Tendulkar at 14 or 15, but he went through the grind. This is different. This is T20 cricket, with a fearless 14-year-old taking down the best bowlers.”
Jadeja particularly highlighted a shot off Prasidh Krishna’s slower ball, where Suryavanshi launched it for six over long-off, completely balanced on his back foot, leaving the former cricketer speechless.
“The emotions are beyond words. Every cricketer dreams of moments like this, and this kid is living that dream in the IPL, against some of the best players in the world,” Jadeja said, clearly moved by the teenager’s composure and raw talent.