Little did Sanjiv Suryavanshi realize that selling his farmland for his son’s cricketing ambitions would actually earn him a historical achievement within three years. During the second and final day of the IPL mega auction in Jeddah, at the tender age of 13 years and eight months, Vaibhav became famous as the youngest cricketer to be picked by a franchise – Rajasthan Royals bought him for Rs 1.10 crore. Sanjiv, who owned farmland in his native Motipur village which is about 15 km from town in Samastipur, Bihar, 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),” Sanjiv told PTI over phone as his son is currently in Dubai for the U-19 Asia Cup
“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,” he recalled the days of hardships.
So those finances would have been in place because cricket is an investment? “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).”
The father was quick to clarify when asked about the controversies regarding Vaibhav’s actual age which many believe is 15 years: “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,” he sounded defiant.
Sanjiv said that Rakesh Tiwary, president of the Bihar Cricket Association, has always blessed Vaibhav along the way.
“He has blessings from Rakesh ji,” said the father. The opening price was Rs 30 lakhs for the player who went into the auction. Delhi Capitals were the first bidders, followed by RR at Rs 35 lakh. The rest, as they say, is history because the winner was the DC team.
And how did this bidding war happen? “Rajasthan Royals had called him for trials in Nagpur. Vikram Rathour sir (batting coach) gave a match situation where he had to score 17 in an over. Bituwa ne 3 chakka mara. Trials mein aat chakka aur char chauwaa mara (He smashed three sixes. At trials, he hit eight sixes and four fours),” the father claimed proudly.
For a kid aged 13, it’s quite difficult to apprehend the concept of what a crore can do or mean to an individual. So what is he going to tell a young boy of this age, who is just making his first steps towards monetary understanding? “He just wants to play cricket and nothing else. A few years back he loved Doremon, not anymore,” said Sanjiv.
Tiwary, the president of BCA, has been gushing about the prodigy after a whopping 1.10 crore bid for RR. “At this age, Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s marvellous accomplishment fills us with great pride,” Tiwary said with a statement.
“His journey from Bihar to the IPL is indicative of his talent, commitment, and hard work. The Bihar Cricket Association has always nurtured talent within the state and Vaibhav is a symbol of the cricketing talent that the state possesses.
“From there, we will expect that he will continue to shine and inspire many aspiring cricketers of Bihar and beyond. So here’s wishing all the best to Vaibhav and his family.”
