Bihar’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi makes first-class debut at 12; controversy erupts over actual age

The cricketing landscape recently bore witness to the emergence of yet another prodigious talent as Bihar’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi became one of the youngest Indians to make a first-class debut. Remarkably, Vaibhav earned his maiden cap for Bihar in the prestigious Ranji Trophy tournament at the tender age of just 12.

What sets Vaibhav apart is not only his debut at a young age but also his dual proficiency as a left-handed batter and a left-arm spinner. His exceptional skills have been on full display in various age-group tournaments, garnering attention and anticipation from cricket enthusiasts eager to witness the unfolding of his promising journey.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s early achievements

Vaibhav’s cricketing journey began to garner attention during the 2023 edition of the Cooch Behar Trophy, where he represented Bihar. In a standout performance against Jharkhand, he notched up an impressive 151 runs off 128 balls, showcasing his attacking style. This remarkable innings was complemented by another solid score of 76 in the same match, underlining his consistency and class.

Further solidifying his reputation, Suryavanshi participated in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy 2023, finishing as the eighth-highest run-scorer with an impressive tally of 393 runs in five matches. These performances laid the foundation for his inclusion in the India U-19 B team, which contested in a quadrangular home series against England and Bangladesh. Vaibhav’s contributions with the bat were vital in the leg, amassing 177 runs in five matches, including a half-century.

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The Ranji Trophy debut at 12 years of age

The pinnacle of Vaibhav’s young career arrived when he recently made his first-class debut for Bihar in the Ranji Trophy against Mumbai at the Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna. This accomplishment marked him as one of the youngest Indian to debut in first-class cricket.

A debut to remember

Suryavanshi’s debut has drawn comparisons to the iconic Sachin Tendulkar, who made his first-class debut at the age of 15 years and 232 days. While the similarities are intriguing, fans are excited to see how Vaibhav performs in the tournament at such a tender age.

Controversy surrounding Vaibhav’s age

However, it’s worth noting that controversies surround Vaibhav’s age. In an interview with BNN News Benipatti last year, he mentioned that he will turn 14 on September 27. In contrast, his birth certificate suggests that he’s 12-year-old with March 27, 2011, recorded as his birth date. Interestingly, the BCCI enlists him as a 12-year-old, aligning with the latter record, which adds a layer of intrigue to an already fascinating story, sparking debates about age verification in cricket.

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