Former India head coach Ravi Shastri says Matthew Hayden was amazed by 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s explosive batting during IPL 2025. Shastri revealed that Hayden questioned the youngster’s age after watching him effortlessly smash pacers Mohammad Siraj and Ishant Sharma for sixes.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) signed him for ₹1.1 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction when he was just 13 years old. A year later, the left-handed batter repaid his confidence by smashing a century against Gujarat Titans (GT). At 14, he became the youngest player to achieve this milestone in the history of the Indian Premier League.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s record-breaking IPL century stunned the cricketing world
On April 28 in Jaipur, Vaibhav Suryavanshi delivered one of the most explosive knocks in IPL history, smashing a 35-ball century at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. The 14-year-old prodigy showed no fear against bowlers like Mohammed Siraj, Ishant Sharma, Prasidh Krishna and Rashid Khan.
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Vaibhav made 101 runs with seven boundaries and eleven sixes, helping Rajasthan Royals chase a target of 210 runs in just 16 overs. He went on to win the Super Striker of the Season award after scoring 252 runs in seven innings at a staggering strike rate of 206.55.
The Bihar-born batter carried his red-hot form into youth internationals, smashing 143 off 78 deliveries in an U19 ODI against England at Worcester. He finished as the series’ top scorer with 355 points for an impressive average of 71.
Matthew Hayden said: “He can’t be 14” – Ravi Shastri
Speaking on the Willow Talk show on the LiSTNR Sport podcast, Ravi Shastri recalled that Matthew Hayden refused to believe Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s age. Shastri, who was commentating during the Jaipur match, said the 14-year-old stunned everyone by reaching his century in ten overs.
“I was amazed; I was on air during that match in Jaipur. I went on air in the 4th over and did two stints in a row because we were short of a commentator at that time. In the 9th and 10th over, he had reached his 100 and he hit it,” Shastri said.
“He (Vaibhav) was hitting Mohammed Siraj, Ishant Sharma, 10 rows back over extra cover and mid-wicket. Haydos (Matthew Hayden) was there and he said, ‘Oh, he can’t be 14’ and I said, ‘Come on, calm down,'” he added.
Now is the most difficult time for him – Ravi Shastri on Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Ravi Shastri said that Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s talent is undeniable, but the youngster might face a critical phase in his development. Shastri warned that early successes can be overwhelming and stressed the importance of counseling to help one cope with pressures and setbacks.
“Now is the most difficult time for him. Because he has made such an impression and at such a young age, much like Sachin. Now, in the next 2-3 years, he needs someone to guide him because you can go off the rails very quickly.”
“It may come to mind; the expectations are high, you may not be able to handle it. That’s where someone has to go and tell them, ‘You’re doomed to fail at some point.’ This game is a leveler.”
“So don’t worry. It’s a part of life, but you stay true to what you are doing, and once you start accepting failure, accept it calmly, that’s when you will succeed. But this is an important time for him,” the former India coach added.
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