Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 13-year-old young player from Bihar, who recently made headlines as the youngest-ever signing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), struggled in his debut match at the U19 Asia Cup against arch-rivals Pakistan.
The match took place on November 30, 2024, at the Dubai International Stadium, where India faced a challenging target of 282 runs set by Pakistan.
Match Overview
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a formidable total of 281 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. The standout performer for Pakistan was opener Shahzaib Khan, who scored a brilliant 159 runs off 147 balls, hitting 10 sixes and 5 fours.
His innings laid a solid foundation for Pakistan, allowing them to set a challenging target for India. In response, India faltered early in their chase, losing their top four batsmen cheaply.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Performance
Suryavanshi, who had garnered attention after being bought by the Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.1 crore, was expected to shine but ended up having a forgettable outing.
He managed to score only 1 run off 9 balls before being dismissed by pacer Ali Raza in the fifth over.
His dismissal came after he chased a delivery that was outside his reach, resulting in a simple catch to the wicketkeeper.
Throughout his brief innings, Suryavanshi appeared uncomfortable at the crease and struggled against the seam bowling from Pakistan.
Reactions and Expectations
The performance of Suryavanshi has drawn mixed reactions from fans and cricket analysts alike.
Many expressed disappointment given the hype surrounding him following his IPL signing. Social media was abuzz with comments highlighting his lack of foot movement and readiness against quality bowling.
Some fans called for patience, emphasizing that at just 13 years old, he still has ample time to develop his skills and prove himself on the international stage.
In an interview prior to the match, Suryavanshi mentioned that he looks up to cricket legend Brian Lara and aims to emulate his style while focusing on his game without getting distracted by external pressures.
Despite this setback, it’s important to note that one performance should not define his career trajectory.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Auction: 13-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi Sold for ₹1.1 Crore
