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Vaibhav, a left-handed batter who opens, was busy padding up for his maiden appearance in Ranji Trophy.His teammates and senior players were constantly encouraging him, boosting his confidence to overcome the nerves of making his debut.
The match was against the mighty Mumbai, and the 12-year-old Vaibhav was almost reminding everyone of the batting legend Sachin Tendulkar who was 15 years old when he made his debut. Former India allrounder Yuvraj (15 years and 57 days) was younger than Sachin (15 years and 230 days) when he made his first-class debut.
In the modern era, Yuvraj holds the record for being the youngest first-class cricketer, Vaibhav (12 years and 284 days) surpassed him by a huge gap.
Overall, Alimuddin holds the record for the youngest Indian first-class debutant at just 12 years and 73 days old in the 1942-43 season. Hailing from Ajmer, Alimuddin represented Rajputana in the Ranji Trophy semi-final.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi
SK Bose, born in Ajmer, made his mark in 1959-60 by debuting for Bihar at the age of 12 years and 76 days. In October 1937, Mohammad Ramzan earned his place in history by debuting at the age of 12 years and 247 days, representing Northern India in the Ranji Trophy.
In his first outing, Vaibhav, who is overall the fourth youngest Indian to make a first-class debut, scored 19 and 12 runs.
“I didn’t know about this record. When I returned to the dressing room after getting out in the first innings, my teammates broke this news to me. They said the record was held by the great Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh. I was really happy to know that I can now see my name alongside them,” Vaibhav told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.
“It is a big thing for me. I felt good when I got my debut cap. I was nervous but my seniors and teammates and management showed confidence in me. The moment I hit the crease, the entire dressing room was clapping. After facing the first ball, things went normal and I was settled,” Vaibhav said.
ROAD TO THE SENIOR TEAM
Vaibhav grew up sending bowlers on a leather hunt in various local tournaments across Bihar.
In the Heman Trophy, an inter-district tournament, Vaibhav emerged as Bihar’s top scorer, amassing approximately 800 runs in eight matches, outshining even seasoned players from the state.
Continuing his stellar form, Vaibhav excelled in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy, accumulating over 400 runs in just five matches.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi
His performance in the Challengers Trophy (Under-19) further solidified his reputation as a promising talent. In the Quadrangular Trophy, Vaibhav’s contributions were notable, with scores of 53, 76, 41, 0, and 12.
Impressing selectors at the Under-23 camp, Vaibhav’s consistent show earned him a coveted call-up to the Ranji Trophy squad.
“Many seniors and teammates backed me because of my performance. My president Rakesh Tiwari sir helped me a lot and fulfilled my basic needs in cricket. He asked me to perform and get a place in the Ranji Trophy squad. I was really elated to see my name in the list. Now my house is full of guests most of the time. People come, visit my house and congratulate my parents. My parents are so happy and wherever I am today, it is because of my parents. They have sacrificed a lot for me,” the youngster said.
A FARMER’S SON CHASING ‘BIG’ DREAM
Vaibhav was just 4 when his father Sanjeev Suryavanshi saw him playing with a plastic ball and hitting it with sheer power. Sanjeev, after coming from the field, used to do some underarm throws to his son and play with him.
With time, he made a small playing area in the backyard of his house where his son could practice.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi
“I was inclined towards sports as a kid. My father is a farmer. He built a small play area for me. I used to practice there. There were some kids in my neighbourhood. My father used to call them and ask 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, become a cricketer, right)? He had confidence in me,” Vaibhav recalled.
“After playing for 4-5 years, my father took me to Samastipur town where he got me enrolled in a cricket academy. Brijesh sir coached me there. After practicing for two-and-a-half years there, I gave Under-16 trials for the Vijay Merchant trophy. I was on stand-by due to my age. By god’s grace, I started coaching under Manish Ojha sir, a former Ranji player. He has taught me a lot and whatever I am today, it is because of him,” the youngster said.
INSPIRED BY BRIAN LARA
Vaibhav, a left-handed batter, takes inspiration from the West Indies legend Brian Lara.
He has a collection of Lara’s videos with him and watched Lara’s match-winning knocks, especially the veteran’s 400-not out against England in Antigua in 2004.
“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 I like 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,” an elated Vaibhav said.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi
“I am young and have to go a long way. I will take one step at a time because I am a young cricketer. I am learning as much as I can,” he said.
He looks forward to the opportunity to meet his childhood hero and inspiration whenever he comes to India or during the Indian Premier League.
“(On meeting him) I will pinch myself first if he is a real Brian Lara (laughs). I will take his blessings and will ask him so many questions regarding batting, mental strength and longevity. It will be a dream come true,” Vaibhav signed off.
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