In a moment of pure joy in the tradition of Indian cricket, 14 year old star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi received the renowned Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on Friday. BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla was quick to be awed by the young player’s performance. The award, given to youngsters who have displayed extraordinary talent and outstanding achievements and achievements, was presented to Vaibhav on behalf of the president of India, Droupadi Murmu, in a ceremony that has won the attention of cricket enthusiasts around the world.
Vaibhav’s meteoric rise to the world of cricket is nothing short of spectacular. At only 14, he has established his own name on playing Indian cricket, wowing all with his incredible and explosive batting. His story is an example of the commitment along with talent and the capability to conquer obstacles.
On the social media platform X, Rajiv Shukla congratulated Vaibhav and stated, “Congratulations to young cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for being awarded an award of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by the Hon’ble President of India. The recognition of his talent and dedication is a humbling moment that will inspire youngsters across the country. I wish him every success in his journey as a cricketer.”
This BCCI vice-president’s words reaffirm the joy felt Vaibhav’s entire family as well as his coaches but all of the world who are following the young star’s development with wonder and excitement. Rajiv Shukla’s message also demonstrates the importance of Vaibhav’s achievements in a larger context, stressing the way in which his accomplishments serve as an example for future athletes from all over the world.
Vaibhav’s rise to fame started with his record-breaking performances on his youth leagues. His talents were evident when he wowed the world of cricket for age groups thanks to his outstanding batting skills. However, it wasn’t only in junior cricket that he left his contribution. Vaibhav’s influence on the senior side of cricket was equally impressive. The most memorable moments of his career occurred in the last few days when he became youngest player to ever score a century in male List A cricket. The record-breaking century was scored during a game in the Vijay Hazare Trophy Plate League against Arunachal Pradesh. Vaibhav aged of just 14 years old and 272 day, achieved a dazzling 100 runs in only 36 balls. The innings shocked every cricketer in the world and showed his potential to perform at a high standard.
However, his story doesn’t end there. His rise to prominence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is equally remarkable. At the age of 14years old, he set records when he became the youngest cricketer to sign the IPL agreement after Rajasthan Royals picked him up for a staggering price of 1.1 crore. The news caused shock waves throughout the cricket world with both fans and experts alike keen to know how he’d fare in the world’s most watched T20 league.
When he played in IPL 2025 Vaibhav elevated his skills to another level and accomplished another feat that was awe-inspiring. He scored a stunning hundred against Gujarat Titans, becoming the most youthful centurion in T20 cricket as well as one of the fastest Indian to achieve an IPL century, achieving the mark in only 35 balls. It was a performance that has been the talk of the town and reinforced the idea that the young batsman will be a star.
Vaibhav’s achievements, in and out of the field continue to inspire thousands of young players across India. Vaibhav’s story is an example of how age does not define potential, and that with proper opportunities, commitment and encouragement, young athletes can accomplish whatever they put their minds to.
As Rajiv Shukla rightly noted Vaibhav’s story isn’t solely about personal success. It’s a symbol of hope for athletes in the midst of their development, showing that, with determination and perseverance the dreams of aspiring athletes can become real. This Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Balance Puraskar is only the beginning of this extraordinary young cricketer. The cricketing world will definitely be watching him as the young man continues to impress in the coming years.
