Vaibhav Suryavanshi Conferred With Rashtriya Bal Puraskar: Meet India’s 14 Year Old Cricket Prodigy

The world of Indian sports has a new golden boy, and he is only 14 years old. Vaibhav Suryavanshi , the explosive left handed batter from Bihar, has officially been conferred with the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by President Droupadi Murmu. This prestigious award, known as the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, is the highest civilian honor in India for children between the ages of 5 and 18. It recognizes exceptional achievements across various fields, and for 2025, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has emerged as a standout recipient in the sports category.

The Record Breaking Journey of Vaibhav Suryavanshi

It is not every day that you see a teenager making headlines alongside seasoned international stars, but the rise of Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been nothing short of legendary. Just recently, he set the cricketing world on fire by smashing a breathtaking 190 runs off only 84 balls for Bihar during a Vijay Hazare Trophy match. This incredible innings included 16 fours and 15 sixes, making him the youngest player ever to hit a century in men’s List A cricket. By reaching his 150 in just 59 balls, he even managed to shatter a world record previously held by the great AB de Villiers.

Dominating the IPL and International Youth Stages

The reason Vaibhav Suryavanshi is being celebrated with the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar goes beyond just one match. Earlier this year, he made history as the youngest debutant in the Indian Premier League when he took the field for the Rajasthan Royals at just 14 years and 23 days old. He did not just show up; he performed by smashing a 35 ball century against Gujarat Titans, which is now the fastest IPL hundred by an Indian player. His ability to dominate senior bowlers with such ease is why many experts are already comparing his early trajectory to that of Sachin Tendulkar.

A Proud Moment at Rashtrapati Bhavan

The ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan was a monumental occasion for the young athlete. While receiving the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, Vaibhav Suryavanshi was praised for his dedication and the way he has redefined age group cricket in India. President Murmu noted that his records are just the beginning of what promises to be an illustrious career. Following the event, the awardees also had the chance to interact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who lauded the youngster as a future star of the nation. It is a well deserved recognition for a boy who began his training on a small patch of land in Bihar and is now a national icon.

What is Next for Vaibhav Suryavanshi?

Even with a national award in his hands, the work never stops for this cricket prodigy. After the festivities in Delhi, Vaibhav Suryavanshi is set to join the India Under 19 squad as they head to Zimbabwe to prepare for the ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup starting in January. His focus remains sharp as he looks to carry this momentum onto the global stage. As the "The Hindu" report highlights, "The recognition serves as a testament to his once in a generation talent." With his explosive batting style and record breaking mindset, the story of Vaibhav Suryavanshi is one that every cricket fan will be following closely in the years to come.