Junaid Khan Questions Rajasthan Royals’ 13-Year-Old Signing Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Age
Thirteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi has made history. He is the youngest-ever player in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Rajasthan Royals signed the left-handed batter for ₹1.10 crore in the IPL 2025 auction. His inclusion has sparked controversy. Former Pakistani cricketer Junaid Khan doubts the batter’s real age. This reignites the debate over age fraud in cricket.
The Story Behind Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s IPL Signing
Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been making headlines for his explosive batting performances. The teenager impressed at the U19 Asia Cup. He scored a dazzling 67 off 36 balls in the semifinal against Sri Lanka. His knock, with five sixes and six boundaries, showed his fearlessness and potential.
Suryavanshi scored just nine runs in the final vs. Bangladesh. But, he made 176 runs in five innings in the tournament. This solidified his reputation as a promising young talent. His performances caught the attention of IPL franchises. The Rajasthan Royals chose to invest in the teenager. They added him to a star-studded squad. It had Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jofra Archer, and Nitish Rana.
Junaid Khan Raises Questions
Many have celebrated Suryavanshi’s IPL milestone. But, Junaid Khan doubted his age. Sharing a video of Suryavanshi’s six-hitting spree from the U19 Asia Cup semifinal, Khan wrote:
“Can a 13-year-old kid really hit such a long six????” he wrote.
Khan’s doubts reflect wider worries about age fraud in junior cricket.
Accusations of Age Fraud
Suryavanshi’s age came under scrutiny after an old interview of his resurfaced. In the interview, the teenager said he would turn 14 in September 2023. This raised eyebrows about his stated age.
In response to the controversy, Suryavanshi’s father, Sanjiv, has defended his son. He expressed willingness to conduct a bone test again to put an end to the allegations.
Suryavanshi Joins Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2025
Despite the off-field controversies, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s IPL journey is set to begin under the mentorship of Rajasthan Royals head coach Rahul Dravid. Sharing the dressing room with seasoned players like Sanju Samson and Jofra Archer will give him valuable exposure as he moves to the big stage.
Suryavanshi’s entry into the IPL has sparked excitement and debate in equal measure. His talent is undeniable. But, questions about his age will likely linger until proof emerges.
What Lies Ahead for Vaibhav Suryavanshi?
As Suryavanshi prepares for IPL 2025, a age controversy may distract him. But, his performances will decide his potential.
The Rajasthan Royals trust his talent. The young batter can now silence critics and prove he’s a future star of Indian cricket.
