Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India]: Cricketing icon and 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has called for patience and support for 14-year-old IPL sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who stunned cricket fans with his explosive debut performance in the ongoing 18th edition of the Indian Premier League.
The left-handed teenager from Bihar lit up the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur with an electrifying century against Gujarat Titans, leading the Rajasthan Royals to a dominant eight-wicket victory. However, just days after his record-breaking innings, Suryavanshi faced a setback with a two-ball duck against Mumbai Indians at the same venue.
Kapil Dev acknowledged the teen’s extraordinary talent but emphasized the need for long-term nurturing rather than rushing expectations.
“Give him time, don’t rush it. He is a good talent and has good ability. But you need to give time to players,” Kapil Dev told reporters in Lucknow.
In the match against Gujarat Titans, Suryavanshi was the driving force behind Rajasthan Royals’ successful chase of a massive 210-run target. Facing a bowling lineup with a combined 694 international appearances, the 14-year-old displayed remarkable composure and power.
He smashed a century in just 35 balls—the fastest IPL hundred by an Indian and the second-fastest overall after Chris Gayle’s 30-ball ton in 2013. At just 14 years and 32 days old, Suryavanshi also became the youngest cricketer to score a T20 century, marking a historic moment in global cricket.
His innings included 11 sixes, equalling the record for most sixes in an IPL innings by an Indian, set by Murali Vijay in 2010.
However, the young star’s momentum was halted in the next game by Mumbai Indians’ pacer Deepak Chahar. Attempting an aggressive shot, Suryavanshi mistimed the ball and was caught at mid-on by Will Jacks. His early dismissal triggered a collapse, and Rajasthan were bowled out for 117, ending their hopes of reaching the playoffs.
Despite the abrupt dip in form, cricketing experts, including Kapil Dev, are rallying behind the teenager and urging fans and franchises to invest time in his development.