Top 5 Youngest Players in IPL History: Vaibhav Suryavanshi Becomes Youngest Player

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been known as a stage where raw talent gets a chance. From Kohli’s early days in RCB to Jaiswal’s rise in RR, the IPL has given youngsters a platform to showcase their strength and ability against the best players in the world. In IPL 2025, the cricketing world saw history being made when a 14-year-old boy known as Vaibhav Suryavanshi came from Rajasthan Royals. Why? Because he became the youngest player to score a century in the history of the league. His 101 runs in just 38 balls against Gujarat Titans in Jaipur shocked fans as he changed the prospects of T20 cricket for young players.

Let’s take a look at the top 5 youngest players to score a century in IPL history, including Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s record-breaking feat.

1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi: 14 years & 32 days

In a fairytale debut season, Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest player to score a century in the history of IPL. At just 14 years and 32 days, the Rajasthan Royals opener has made a name for himself in the cricketing world in grand style. Facing a strong bowling attack from Gujarat Titans, he showed not only composure but also confidence beyond his years. His innings of 101 runs off 38 balls included 12 fours and 7 sixes and he completed his century in just 35 balls.

2. Manish Pandey: 19 years & 253 days

Before Vaibhav’s historic moment, Manish Pandey held the record of being the youngest player to score a century in the IPL for over 15 years. In 2009, he scored 114 runs off 73 balls and it is still considered one of the most iconic innings in the league’s early history. This innings was a defining moment in Pandey’s career, and established him as a reliable top-order batsman for both Karnataka and RCB. Even today, many cricket fans remember the 2009 century as the beginning of a new era for young Indian batsmen in the IPL.

3. Rishabh Pant: 20 years & 218 days

Rishabh Pant is known for his fearless approach and stroke play, which always highlighted IPL 2018 with one of the most devastating innings in T20. He scored 128 runs in just 63 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad which was a display of power hitting and creative shot-making. At just 20 years old, Pant was known for having one of the strongest bowling attacks of the tournament. He hit 15 fours and 7 sixes, which helped Delhi to a big score.

4. Devdutt Padikkal: 20 years & 289 days

In 2021, another brilliant left-arm bowler, Devdutt Padikal, also joined the list. Playing for RCB, Padikal’s 101 off 52 balls against Rajasthan Royals was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Padikal, known for his textbook technique and beautiful timing, paced his innings perfectly. With Virat Kohli, he built an opening partnership of 181 runs. His ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a strike rate above 190 shows his maturity as well as his adaptability.

5. Yashasvi Jaiswal: 21 years & 123 days

Before Vaibhav’s arrival, Yashasvi Jaiswal was a young player for Rajasthan Royals. He was also a player who made waves with his explosive batting. How so? He played a brilliant innings of 124 runs off 62 balls against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede in 2023, which is still one of the best innings played by a young Indian player. Jaiswal’s story is one of perseverance and hard work, as he rose from the rough grounds to the stadium lights. His innings against MI was full of fearless shots, brilliant drives and brilliant timing.

Further Reading: Top 12 Tallest Cricketers in Cricket History (2025 List)

The New Era of IPL Youth: How the League Keeps Getting Younger

The IPL has always been a breeding ground for young talent, but the 2020s have ushered in a new chapter. The arrival of players like Vaibhav, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhishek shows how India’s domestic programmes have evolved. Franchises are now investing heavily in youth development to identify and retain them. Players aged 13-15 are being nurtured through academies like RR’s Performances and RCB’s Talent Scouting Programme.

Vaibhav’s success at just 14 years old is no coincidence, it is the result of a system that prioritises skill, discipline and mental toughness. His record has opened doors for young cricketers dreaming of IPL glory.

Conclusion

From Pandey’s feat in 2009 to Vaibhav’s record-breaking century in 2025, the IPL has been a celebration of young talent. Vaibhav’s achievement, scoring a century at just 14 years and 32 days, has set a benchmark that will endure for decades. The league’s ability to provide him with a global platform makes it the most exciting cricket tournament in the world. As Vaibhav Suryavanshi takes his first steps into stardom, one thing is certain: he is the brightest star in Indian cricket.

FAQs: People Also Ask

Q1. Who is the youngest player ever to score a century in IPL history?

The youngest player to score a century in the history of IPL is Rajasthan Royals’ Vaibhav, who achieved this feat during IPL 2025 at the age of just 14 years and 32 days.

Q2. How fast was Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s century in IPL 2025?

Vaibhav Suryavanshi completed his century in just 35 balls, which became the second fastest century in IPL history.

Q3. Which teams have produced the most young IPL centurions?

RR is a great franchise for nurturing young talent, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (21 years) and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (14 years) both IPL century scorers.

Q4. How does Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s achievement compare globally?

At the age of 14, Vaibhav’s century is one of the youngest centuries ever recorded in any major T20 league around the world. Very few players at this age have participated, let alone scored a century.

Q5. What does Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s record mean for Indian cricket’s future?

Vaibhav’s record signals a new era for Indian cricket. It proves that the young players are not only technically strong but also mentally strong enough to perform on the big stage.