In a heartwarming story of dedication and sacrifice, 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi has become a symbol of hope and inspiration for young cricketers across India. His journey, which began in his rural home in Motipur village, Bihar, has reached an extraordinary milestone: Vaibhav became the youngest-ever cricketer to be bought in the Indian Premier League (IPL) during the auction in Jeddah. Rajasthan Royals secured his services for a staggering Rs 1.10 crore, a dream come true for the boy and his family.

Sanjiv Suryavanshi, Vaibhav's father, who sold his farmland to fund his son's cricketing dreams, was overwhelmed by emotion upon hearing the news. "He's not just my son anymore; he's the pride of all of Bihar," Sanjiv told PTI. His pride was evident as he recounted the early struggles of raising Vaibhav, a boy who first caught the attention of selectors at the age of eight, excelling in district-level trials.

But it hasn’t been an easy journey. Sanjiv recalls the challenges he faced in providing for his son’s cricket aspirations, admitting that their financial situation remains difficult despite the massive leap forward Vaibhav's selection represents. "It wasn’t just an investment; it was a huge sacrifice. I sold our land, and even now, we haven’t fully recovered," he shared, highlighting the immense dedication required to support his son's dreams.

However, amidst the celebration, Vaibhav’s rapid rise to fame has sparked allegations about his true age. Some have speculated that the cricketer might actually be 15 years old, not 13 as claimed. In response, Sanjiv has firmly rejected these claims. "When he was 8 and a half years old, he underwent a BCCI bone test. He has already represented India at the U-19 level, and we have no fear. He can undergo another test if needed," he asserted, displaying unwavering confidence in his son's integrity.

Despite the controversy, Vaibhav’s talent remains undeniable. His IPL auction journey began with a base price of Rs 30 lakh, and after a bidding war, Rajasthan Royals secured him. The bid was a testament to his skills, honed through years of hard work. Sanjiv proudly shared stories of Vaibhav’s trials in Nagpur, where his son impressed batting coach Vikram Rathour by hitting three sixes in one over. "In the trials, he hit eight sixes and four fours. He has always been fearless," Sanjiv added, beaming with pride.

For a young boy whose world still revolves around cricket and his childhood interests, the financial windfall of Rs 1.10 crore is still beyond comprehension. "He just wants to play cricket, nothing else. A few years ago, he was crazy about Doraemon; now, it’s all about the game," said Sanjiv, hoping to shield his son from the pressures of money and fame.

The Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) has been instrumental in Vaibhav’s rise, with President Rakesh Tiwary praising the young cricketer’s potential. "Vaibhav’s selection for such a huge amount is a proud moment for us all. It’s a reflection of his hard work, perseverance, and the untapped cricketing talent in Bihar," Tiwary said, acknowledging the significant role played by BCA in nurturing young athletes.

Vaibhav’s selection is not just a personal victory but a testament to the power of dreams, resilience, and the unwavering support of family. His story serves as an inspiration for countless young aspiring cricketers, showing that with dedication, anything is possible—no matter the odds. As Vaibhav embarks on this exciting new chapter in his cricketing career, his journey continues to capture the hearts of millions, especially in his home state of Bihar, where his success is seen as a beacon of hope for the future of Indian cricket.