Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s ascent in international cricket has garnered significant attention, culminating in his inclusion in TIME magazine’s 2026 TIME100 Next list. At the age of 15, he became the youngest athlete mentioned and the sole representative from India, highlighting his exceptional achievements at such a tender age.

The TIME100 Next list celebrates 100 individuals who are anticipated to shape the future across various domains. Sooryavanshi is positioned within the ‘Phenom’ category, where he is dubbed “one of global sport’s most electrifying figures.”

Originating from Bihar, Sooryavanshi gained prominence by making his senior debut for Bihar in the Ranji Trophy in 2024 at merely 12 years old. This early milestone marked the beginning of his remarkable journey in cricket.

Notable IPL Achievements

Sooryavanshi’s cricket career took another leap forward when he was acquired by the Rajasthan Royals for Rs 1 crore prior to the 2025 IPL season, becoming the youngest player ever auctioned in the league’s history. His debut IPL season showcased his talent as he made a significant impact by scoring 252 runs in seven innings.

A standout moment was his impressive performance against the Gujarat Titans, where he scored a century in just 35 balls, setting the record for the youngest centurion in IPL history. Following this success, his second IPL season further emphasised his capabilities, as he scored 776 runs across 16 matches and became the leading run-scorer for the Rajasthan Royals.

With a total of 72 sixes, Sooryavanshi also broke the previous record held by Chris Gayle for the most sixes in a single IPL season, solidifying his reputation as a formidable player in the league.

International Debut and Continued Success

Sooryavanshi’s accomplishments extended beyond the IPL. He made his senior debut for India against England in Manchester in July, making history as the youngest male cricketer to represent the national team, surpassing the long-standing record previously held by Sachin Tendulkar. Since then, he has participated in six T20 International matches, accumulating 193 runs, with a remarkable highest score of 81 against Zimbabwe.

In June, the young cricketer achieved a new milestone by registering the fastest List A half-century in men’s cricket, reaching the mark in just 11 balls while playing for India A against Sri Lanka A in Colombo. This performance further demonstrates his skill and potential on the field.

Additionally, TIME acknowledged his significant contribution to India’s Under-19 World Cup victory earlier this year, where he was named the Player of the Tournament, solidifying his status as a rising star in cricket.

Current Involvement and Future Prospects

Currently, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is part of India’s cricket squad competing in the Asian Games in Japan. His inclusion in the TIME100 Next list places him among a select group of athletes, with only six others from various sports featured. These include prominent figures such as American quarterback Arch Manning, NBA player Tyrese Maxey, and tennis player Alexandra Eala.

Sooryavanshi’s promising career trajectory suggests a bright future as he continues to make indelible marks in the cricketing world. His achievements, coupled with ongoing opportunities on international platforms, indicate that he may well become a prominent figure in global cricket.

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