This week Vaibhav Suryavanshi made global news when he scored the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) second-fastest century ever, at just 14 years old.
He'd already made history as the youngest debutant in IPL history, then nine days later he made headlines again with his 100 off 35 balls, including 11 sixes and seven fours.
This makes him the youngest player in not only IPL history, but in any international test match.
I was still performing to my stuffed animals in my room at 14.
The young superstar faced the music of cricket unpredictability by getting out on a two ball duck on Thursday vs Mumbai Indians.
Naturally, he is attracting a lot of attention, but not all of it good.
Controversies around Suryavanshi's age are running rampant online, with one Redditor questioning “Is Vaibhav Suryavanshi really 14? Seems suspicious”.
The comments are well and truly split.
Many doubt that a kid of his age could be this comfortable and perform at this standard against grown and experienced men.
However, the main argument is an interview from September 2023, where Suryavanshi allegedly confirmed he was 14.
Many were quick to defend the sports star, pointing out that “Indians tend to say they turned 14 when they started their 14th year.”
Others argued that it is clear he’s a kid by his body language and face.
I mean, bless his soul, but he did cry when he got out after two balls.
“I don't think IPL would let players in without some sort of age certificate,” was another argument.
Despite the allegations, Suryavanshi’s father is standing strong.
When talking to the Press Trust of India, he said that when his son “was eight-and-a-half” he had a bone test for the Board of Control for Cricket in India, and suggested they could do it again.
We don’t fear anyone.
Allegations will continue to fly, but it’s no doubt that Vaibhav Suryavanshi has one heck of a future ahead.
