Vaibhav Arora Stats, Debut, Age, Jersey No, Career, IPL Team, Price
When one thinks of the Indian fast-bowling setup, one often imagines raw pace, swing and the ability to bowl under pressure. Among the emerging talents who possess these qualities is Vaibhav Arora, a right-arm swing bowler from Ambala, Haryana. He is known for his sharp movement and ability to constantly trouble left-arm bowlers. Arora has quickly gone from being a net bowler in the IPL to becoming a regular bowler in the prestigious T20 league.
In this blog, we will delve into Vaibhav Arora’s life, career, statistics, IPL journey and achievements.
Early Life And Background
- Full name: Vaibhav Gopal Arora
- Date of birth: 14 December 1997
- Age (as of October 2025): 27 years and 293 days
- Place of birth: Ambala, Haryana
- Batting style: Right-arm bat bowler
- Bowling style: Right-arm fast medium
- Playing role: Bowler
Vaibhav Arora hails from Ambala, Haryana, where his father runs a dairy business. Growing up in a middle-class family, cricket was not always an obvious career option for him. However, his determination coupled with a natural ability to swing the ball helped him rise through the ranks. Unlike many young cricketers who start with the bat, Arora always saw himself as a bowler.
Domestic Career And Success
Vaibhav Arora’s domestic career began with Himachal Pradesh. There, he was assigned to lead the pace attack. His ability to swing the new ball at good speed (130-140 kmph) in both directions immediately caught the attention of the selectors.
The biggest highlight of his domestic tour was the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In that match, he took a hat-trick on his List A debut against Maharashtra. This rare feat showcased not only his skill but also his composure under pressure.
Another highlight was the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he helped Himachal Pradesh reach the quarter-finals. This was the stage where IPL scouts first spotted him, and he was soon drafted into the big leagues.
Career Statistics
Bowling
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC | 28 | 44 | 4116 | 2303 | 95 | 6/48 | 9/105 | 24.24 | 3.35 | 43.3 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| List A | 22 | 22 | 1029 | 882 | 36 | 5/43 | 5/43 | 24.50 | 5.14 | 28.5 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| T20s | 62 | 62 | 1270 | 1815 | 66 | 3/16 | 3/16 | 27.50 | 8.57 | 19.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Batting & Fielding
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC | 28 | 33 | 11 | 243 | 40 | 11.04 | 417 | 58.27 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 13 | 4 | 0 |
| List A | 22 | 14 | 4 | 111 | 28 | 11.10 | 135 | 82.22 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| T20s | 62 | 17 | 10 | 27 | 11 | 3.85 | 48 | – | 0 | 0 | – | – | – | – |
Entry Into IPL
Vaibhav Arora’s IPL journey has been one of perseverance and development.
- IPL 2020: He started as a net bowler for Punjab Kings (PBKS). When he did not play a match, his performances in the nets impressed many. In short, it established him as an international star.
- IPL 2021: His breakthrough came when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought him for INR 20 lakhs. Although he did not get many games, training under top coaches made him skilled.
- IPL 2022: After his release, he was bought by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for INR 2 crores. He eventually entered the IPL and played five matches that season. Although his statistics were not exceptional, his swing bowling ability earned him respect.
- IPL 2023: KKR once again showed faith in him and bought him back for INR 60 lakhs. This turned out to be a crucial season as he built a strong new ball partnership with Harshit Rana. His ability to take wickets early on made him a valuable asset.
- IPL 2024: Vaibhav’s reputation underwent a transformation this year. Playing a vital role in KKR’s title-winning campaign after a decade, Arora took 11 wickets. His ability to swing the ball first and stop runs in the powerplay played a game-changing role.
- IPL 2025: Despite being released after 2024, KKR once again bought him for INR 1.8 crore. Since then, he has been leading the new ball attack, handling the responsibility with confidence.
Playing Style And Strengths
Vaibhav Arora is not just another fast bowler. His bowling revolves around pace and accuracy rather than raw pace. Here are his key strengths:
- Swing specialist: His ability to swing the new ball both ways makes him particularly dangerous in T20 and ODI matches.
- Left-handed Nemesis: He is particularly effective against left-handed batsmen. As he often forces them to make mistakes.
- Powerplay control: Arora has the ability to bowl well in the powerplay, which often gives his team early success.
- Staying calm under pressure: Despite being a debutant, he has shown composure in moments of crisis, which is an important trait for IPL and international cricket.
Achievements And Milestones
- Hat-trick on List A debut (Vijaya Hazare Trophy against Maharashtra).
- Quarter-final run with Himachal Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
- Part of KKR’s 2024 IPL title-winning team, playing a key role with 11 wickets.
- Regular place in the India A team, indicating that he is in line for a possible India call-up.
- Consistently among the top swing bowlers in the domestic circuit.
Related Article: Sandeep Warrier Stats, Debut, Age, Jersey No, Career, IPL Team, Price
Conclusion
At 27, Vaibhav Arora is entering the peak years of his fast-bowling career. With his skills suited to both red-ball and white-ball cricket, he has the potential to represent India at the highest level. His consistent performances in the IPL have put him on the radar of the national selectors. A strong domestic season or another impressive IPL campaign could earn him his first Indian cap in the near future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How did Vaibhav Arora start his cricketing career?
Vaibhav Arora began his cricketing journey in Ambala, Haryana, where he played at the state level. His breakthrough came with Himachal Pradesh, where he impressed with his swing bowling in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This led to his selection as a net bowler for Punjab Kings in IPL 2020.
Q2. What makes Vaibhav Arora special as a bowler?
Arora stands out due to his ability to consistently swing the bowler both ways, especially with the new ball. His composure in high-pressure IPL games further emphasizes his identity.
Q3. How has Vaibhav Arora performed in the IPL so far?
Vaibhav Arora has gradually become a reliable IPL bowler. Starting as a net bowler in 2020, he made his debut for Punjab Kings in 2022.
Q4. Can Vaibhav Arora earn a place in the Indian national team?
Yes, Vaibhav Arora has the potential to represent India in the near future. The selectors have shown faith in him by including him in the India A team.
Q5. What role did Vaibhav Arora play in KKR’s IPL 2024 title win?
There were many heroes in KKR’s IPL 2024 victory after a decade, and Vaibhav Arora was one of them.
