The IPL has found its newest prodigy in 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who took the cricketing world by storm in Rajasthan Royals’ opener against Chennai Super Kings. On Monday in Guwahati, a CSK side missing the legendary MS Dhoni was bundled out for a paltry 127. Rajasthan chased down the target in just 12.1 overs, fueled by Vaibhav’s explosive 52 off 17 balls.

Suryavanshi reached his half-century in just 15 deliveries, marking the second-fastest fifty for Rajasthan Royals. His innings, decorated with five towering sixes and four boundaries, left the CSK bowlers shell-shocked. Reflecting on his mindset, Vaibhav shared that his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal encouraged him to play freely. “Jaiswal didn’t ask me to rotate strike constantly; instead, he told me—if the ball hits the middle of the bat, just go for it,” said the teenager. Crediting the coaching staff for their immense support, the young left-hander proved why he is being hailed as the next big thing in Indian cricket, just days after celebrating his 15th birthday.