Young Vaibhav Suryavanshi made his mark with fastest century by an Indian batter in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. A few weeks later, his 13-year-old friend Ayan Raj from Bihar took centrestage with an astounding knock. Raj scored 327 runs in a District Cricket League 30-over match in Muzaffarpur.
Playing for Sanskriti Cricket Academy, Raj whacked as many as 22 sixes and 41 fours in his unbeaten 327 from 134 balls. He faced the majority of deliveries and scored 296 runs from boundaries itself. His strike rate was 220.89.
Raj revealed that he looks up to Suryavanshi who has created ripples and been compared to Sachin Tendulkar as well. He recalled feeling special while talking to Suryavanshi and wants to take a similar path.
“Every time I talk to Vaibhav bhai, I get a special feeling. We used to play together when we were younger. Today, he has made a big name for himself, and I’m also following in his footsteps," Raj told News18.
Raj has the responsibility to fulfill his father's dream. His father was a former cricketer as well who had dreamt of playing for India. Raj has got ample support from his family and will continue down the same path to make the dream a reality.
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Suryavanshi's IPL debut season
Meanwhile, Suryavanshi had a good debut IPL season. He walked into the playing XI after captain Sanju Samson got injured. From seven innings, he scored 252 runs at an average of 36. His strike rate of 206.55 was best in the season. He was RR's fifth-highest run-scorer despite playing just seven games.
Suryavanshi to play in England
Suryavanshi has been selected in India Under-19 team squad for England tour. He will play under the leadership of Mumbai's Ayush Mhatre who made his IPL debut for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He will be seen in action in the warm-up match on June 24. The five-match One-Day series will begin on June 27. Then, there will be a multi-day series which will begin on July 12.