Sir, aaj mai maarunga: Vaibhav Suryavanshi's manifestation ahead of historic century

Vaibhav Suryavanshi made a stunning start to his IPL career when he smashed his first ball out of the park. The 14-year-old had just hit Avesh Khan, an India player, for a massive six over mid wicket. "Aisa kabhi hua hai, aapne pehle ball pe chakka maara ho? (Has it ever happened that you hit a first ball six?)” This was the innocent question the youngest player in IPL asked a teammate days before stepping on to the big stage.

Just 10 days after a dreamy debut, the 14-year-old called his coach Manish Ojha at 10 am and the two discussed footwork and technique ahead of Rajasthan Royals' clash against Gujarat Titans. Suryavanshi confidently says, "Sir, aaj mai marunga (Sir, today I will smash).”

"Maarna, par wicket mat de dena. Itminaan se khelna, Yashasvi se baat karte rehna, (Hit the ball, but don’t lose your wicket. Play calmly, keep talking to Yashasvi)" the coach replied.


Looking at an imposing target of 210, Suryavanshi padded up, exchanged a fist bump with Jaiswal and what followed was records and history being created one after the other.

The young boy’s manifestation came true.

The prodigy from Samastipur, Bihar, hit the ball to all parts of the ground and got a sensational 38-ball 101, becoming the youngest centurion in IPL history at just 14 years and 32 days. It was also the fastest century for an Indian and the second fastest in the tournament’s history.

In a superb attack at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, The youngster hammered 11 sixes and seven fours, taking down an attack featuring international stars like Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Rashid Khan and Karim Janat.


The packed crowd cheered along even as Suryavanshi showed no signs of slowing down, making a mockery of some of the world’s best bowlers.

The southpaw brought up his century off 35 balls which prompted even an injured Rahul Dravid, India’s ex-coach, to rise from his wheelchair, fists pumping in celebration. The Indian legend cheered with joy, savouring the historic moment by the young opener.

"Ye bola tha maarunga. But pata nahi tha aise maarega [He had said he would hit it. But I didn’t know he would hit it like that]. I had an instinct that something big was going to happen, but honestly, I didn’t expect it to be this big. He is a God-gifted cricketer. He’s just a kid — only 14 years old. God has blessed him with immense talent. I am really thankful to God that I could play some part in his career," coach Ojha told TOI.

"He always says that Rajasthan Royals have given him a huge platform, and he is determined to work hard, play well, and give his best. His ultimate dream is to play for India. He is just 14. The great Sachin Tendulkar made his ODI debut at 16, and I am sure Vaibhav is on the right path. With a legend like Rahul Dravid guiding him, he doesn’t have to worry about anything," the coach added.