NEW DELHI: India’s teenage cricket prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshijust lately signed by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 1.1 crore within the IPL 2025 Auction, has change into embroiled in an age-associated controversy.
The debate was sparked by former Pakistani cricketer Junaid Khan, who questioned the authenticity of 13-yr-previous Vaibhav’s age following his extraordinary efficiency within the U-19 Asia Cup, deeming it distinctive for somebody so younger.
Vaibhav delivered a sensational knock towards Sri Lanka, scoring a blistering 67 runs off simply 36 balls, that includes 5 fours and 5 huge sixes.
His explosive innings not solely made him India’s joint prime-scorer within the event but additionally fueled hypothesis about how a participant his age may display such energy-hitting means.
Junaid, who has represented Pakistan in 22 Tests, 76 ODIs, and 9 T20Is, intensified the controversy by posting a clip of Vaibhav’s innings on social media, captioned: “Can a 13-year-old kid really hit such a long six?”
Vaibhav’s standout efficiency helped India safe a complete seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, incomes them a spot within the U-19 Asia Cup last.
However, India stumbled within the title conflict, dropping to Bangladesh by 59 runs.
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Chasing a goal of 199, India had been bowled out for 139 in 35.2 overs, with Vaibhav contributing simply 9 runs in a disappointing finish to an in any other case spectacular event.