During the second and final day of the IPL mega auction in Riyadh, 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest-ver player to be sold after getting bought by the Rajasthan Royals for a fee of INR 1.1 crore. Following this, his father Sanjeev Suryavanshi was lost for words.
“Woh ab sirf humra bituwa nahi pura Bihar ka bituwa hai (He is not just my son now but entire Bihar’s son). My son has worked hard. At the age of 8 years, he excelled at U-16 district trials. I would take him for his cricket coaching to Samastipur and then take him back,” Sanjiv told PTI over phone.
“Not just investment, it’s a big investment. Aapko kya bataye humne toh apna zameen tak bech diya. Abhi bhi halat pura sudhra nahi (I have sold my land. Financial issues are still there),” Sanjiv added.
Vaibhav’s father was also asked about the controversy regarding his son’s age. However, Sanjiv gave a bold remark, clarifying that his son’s age is absolutely correct and can be proven by undergoing an age test.
“When he was 8 and half years old he first appeared for a BCCI bone test. He has already played India U-19. We don’t fear anyone. He can again undergo age test,” Sanjiv said.
Sanjiv also said that the blessings of Bihar Cricket Association president Rakesh Tiwary have always helped Vaibhav in his cricketing journey. “Rakesh ji ka ashirwaad raha hai bahoot (Rakesh ji’s blessings are there),” Sanjiv said.
Vaibhav entered the auction at base price of INR 30 lakhs. It was the Delhi Capitals who made the opening bid for the player, however, RR ended up getting the better of them and snapped the player.
