The opening day of the prestigious Vijay Hazare Trophy 2026 witnessed a seismic shift in focus, as a 14-year-old batting prodigy from Bihar completely overshadowed the much-anticipated returns of Indian superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The spotlight firmly settled on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who authored a breathtaking chapter in Indian domestic cricket history on Wednesday.
A Record-Shattering Innings
Representing Bihar in their match against Arunachal Pradesh in Ranchi, the teenage left-hander played an innings of pure audacity and skill. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, aged just 14 years and 272 days, blazed his way to a century in a mere 36 deliveries. This phenomenal achievement made him the youngest cricketer ever to score a century in the history of List-A cricket, a record that sent shockwaves through the domestic circuit.
His whirlwind knock did not stop at the hundred. Displaying remarkable composure for his age, Sooryavanshi accelerated further, converting his century into a 150 in just 59 balls. He was ultimately dismissed for a magnificent 190, an innings studded with 13 colossal sixes and 16 boundaries. His strike rate was a mind-boggling testament to his aggressive intent and clean hitting.
Where Does This Century Rank?
Sooryavanshi's 36-ball century is now officially the second-fastest century by an Indian in List-A cricket. He trails only Anmolpreet Singh, who scored a 35-ball ton for Punjab against Arunachal Pradesh in the 2024 season. The young batter's name now finds itself among the fastest centuries in the global List-A annals, tying for the fourth-fastest overall alongside legends like Corey Anderson and Graham Rose.
This is not a flash in the pan for the teenage sensation. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been compiling an extraordinary resume across formats and age groups. He has already notched up centuries in:
- Vijay Hazare Trophy (List-A)
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20)
- Indian Premier League (IPL)
- Youth One-Day Internationals
- Youth Test matches
- India A matches
He announced himself on the continental stage during the Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 with a devastating 171 runs off just 95 balls, proving his ability to perform under pressure.
Redefining the Future of Indian Cricket
The stunning start to the Vijay Hazare Trophy has now been completely redefined by one innings. While the tournament was expected to focus on the comebacks of established national stars, it is the emergence of a 14-year-old prodigy that has captured the nation's imagination. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's performance is a powerful reminder of the deep and explosive talent pool in Indian domestic cricket.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be glued to this young batter from Bihar. His ability to consistently perform at such a high level against seasoned professionals will be closely monitored by selectors and fans alike. His journey promises to be one of the most exciting narratives in Indian sports, potentially heralding the arrival of a generational talent who could reshape the landscape of the national team in the years to come.
