In a heartwarming revelation that has captured the imagination of cricket fans across India, 14-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi has disclosed that the bat he used to score his record-breaking Indian Premier League century was a special gift from former Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson.
The Bat That Made History
The young prodigy created IPL history while playing for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans at Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh Stadium. What made his achievement even more remarkable was the equipment behind this monumental innings. Vaibhav scored the fastest century by any teenager in IPL history, reaching the milestone in just 35 balls, making it the second-fastest century overall in the tournament's storied history.
In an exclusive Instagram collaboration showcasing his training for IPL 2026, Vaibhav gave fans a rare glimpse into his kit preparation. "Most players have one kit bag. But, I have two," the teenager explained. "I keep my soft leather things, such as pads, gloves and helmets, in one bag. I keep my bats in the other bag."
It was during this session that he revealed the significance of one particular bat. "This is the bat Sanju bhai gifted me before the IPL season. I kept asking him for a bat. He gave me this one, and I scored my IPL century with this. I made that century in 35 balls," Vaibhav added with visible pride.
A Dream Partnership and Emotional Farewell
The bond between the young batsman and his former captain extended beyond the cricket field. Vaibhav had earlier shared an emotional tribute to Samson when the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman departed Rajasthan Royals. "From watching you bat on TV to batting alongside you, it has all been a dream come true," he wrote in his heartfelt post.
He continued, "I have learnt a lot from you. Thank you for all the chats and always treating me like a brother, Aur haan mujhe aise hi bat dete rehna (And, keep gifting me bats)." This touching message highlighted the mentor-like relationship that had developed between the two players.
Recent Performances and Major IPL Trade
Vaibhav's talent was on display again during the India A vs Pakistan Shaheens T20 match, where he top-scored with 45 runs off just 28 balls. His dismissal triggered a batting collapse, with India slipping from 91/3 in 9.4 overs to 104/6 in 14.1 overs, demonstrating his importance to the team's batting lineup.
In a significant development that marks the end of an era, Sanju Samson has moved from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai Super Kings in a major IPL trade. The exchange saw Rajasthan receive Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in return for their long-serving captain.
Samson bid an emotional farewell to the franchise where he had spent most of his career. "Gave MY everything to this franchise, enjoyed some great cricket, made some lifetime relations, treated everyone in the franchise as my family," he wrote on Instagram. "And, when it's time..I AM moving on. Shall always be grateful for everything."
The Kerala-born cricketer had first joined RR in 2013 at the age of 18, left in 2015, and returned in 2018, establishing himself as one of the franchise's most loyal servants before his move to the yellow brigade.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi's story represents the perfect blend of emerging talent and experienced guidance, showing how mentorship in cricket can create historic moments that will be remembered for years to come.
