Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Father Defends Son Amid Age Fraud Allegations: ‘We Don’t Fear Anyone’” | Read

New Delhi: In a historic moment for Indian cricket, 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi has become the youngest player ever signed in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Rajasthan Royals secured the young talent for INR 1.1 crore during the recent IPL auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. However, this remarkable achievement has been overshadowed by allegations of age fraud.

Vaibhav’s father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, has come forward to address these allegations, firmly defending his son’s age and integrity. “When he was 8 and a half years old, he first appeared for a BCCI bone test. He has already played for India U-19. We don’t fear anyone. He can undergo age tests again if needed,” Sanjiv stated.

The controversy began shortly after Vaibhav’s record-breaking signing, with some questioning whether the young cricketer is actually 15 years old. Despite these claims, Sanjiv remains resolute, emphasizing the rigorous testing and trials Vaibhav has undergone throughout his budding career.

Vaibhav, who hails from Samastipur, Bihar, has already made significant strides in cricket. He recently made his T20 debut and has featured in five Ranji Trophy games. His journey to the IPL has been marked by dedication and hard work, supported by his father’s sacrifices, including selling farmland to fund his cricketing aspirations.

The Rajasthan Royals, coached by Rahul Dravid, have expressed confidence in Vaibhav’s potential. During trials, he impressed the coaching staff by hitting multiple sixes in challenging match scenarios. His father proudly recounted, “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)”.

As Vaibhav prepares to join the Rajasthan Royals, his father remains undeterred by the allegations, focusing instead on his son’s promising future in cricket. “My son has worked hard. At the age of 8 years, he excelled at U-16 district trials. We don’t fear anyone,” Sanjiv reiterated.