Google CEO Sundar Pichai Shares Experience of Watching an 8th Grader
At just 14 years and 23 days old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi made history as the youngest cricketer to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Rajasthan Royals handed the talented left-handed batsman his debut on April 19, 2025, after regular captain Sanju Samson was sidelined due to a thumb injury. Suryavanshi immediately captured attention by hitting a six off the very first ball he faced, eventually scoring 34 runs in an exciting match against the Lucknow Super Giants, where the Royals lost by just two runs.
The Historic Debut of Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s debut for the Rajasthan Royals was a momentous occasion not only for him but also for cricket fans worldwide. Hailing from Samastipur district in Bihar, Suryavanshi’s entry into the IPL at such a young age has garnered significant attention. His first impact was immediate, as he struck a powerful six off his very first delivery, joining an elite group of players who have achieved this feat in the IPL. This group includes notable names like Rob Quiney and Andre Russell.
During his innings, Suryavanshi contributed significantly to an impressive 85-run opening partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal, showcasing his potential as a top-order batsman. The excitement among the crowd at Sawai Mansingh Stadium was palpable, and even Google CEO Sundar Pichai took to social media to express his amazement, stating, “Woke up to watch an 8th grader play in the IPL!!!! What a debut!” His performance is a testament to his skills, which he showcased previously by scoring a rapid century for the India Under-19 team.
Match Highlights: Rajasthan Royals vs. Lucknow Super Giants
In a thrilling match, the Rajasthan Royals faced the Lucknow Super Giants, where the former narrowly lost by just two runs. The Super Giants set a challenging target of 180 runs, thanks in part to half-centuries from Aiden Markram and Ayush Badoni, who formed a crucial 76-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Their contributions anchored the innings, allowing Lucknow to finish at 180 for 5.
The Royals began their chase strong, with Jaiswal scoring 74 runs and Riyan Parag adding a valuable 39. Suryavanshi, with his 34 runs off just 20 balls, helped set a solid foundation. However, the match took a turn as Avesh Khan of the Super Giants delivered a standout bowling performance, claiming three wickets for 37 runs. His dismissals of Jaiswal, Parag, and Shimron Hetmyer proved pivotal, ultimately restricting the Royals to 178 for 5.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matches for Rajasthan Royals
Following the nail-biting encounter against the Lucknow Super Giants, the Rajasthan Royals are set to face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 24, 2025, at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Royals will aim to bounce back from their close defeat and build on Suryavanshiโs promising debut performance. As the IPL season progresses, the team will look to harness the talent of their young prodigy while fine-tuning their strategies for upcoming matches. Fans are eager to see how Suryavanshi and the Royals will perform in the next fixture, as they continue their quest for the IPL title.
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