India’s teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi has yet again hit the headlines following his outstanding performances in the ACC U-19 Asia Cup 2024 for age fraud. Vaibhav’s remarkable U-19 Asia Cup 2024 show has once again sparked an age-fraud controversy after former Pakistan pacer Junaid Khan raised questions about his real age on social media.
Junaid Khan posted a video of Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s match-winning semifinal knock against Sri Lanka on social media, in which the 13-year-old hit an explosive 67 runs off just 36 balls, including five sixes and six boundaries. The former Pakistan pacer captioned the video with a remark questioning whether a 13-year-old could really hit such long sixes.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s U-19 Asia Cup performance sparks age-fraud debate
“Can a 13-year-old kid really hit such a long six?” Junaid Khan captioned the clip, sparking a debate on social media and among cricket fans once again regarding the teenager’s age.
Actually, Vaibhav Suryavanshi hit a six over the rooftop of the venue, and Junaid couldn’t digest this. Suryavanshi’s knock helped India secure a seven-wicket victory, and his efforts earned him the Player of the Match award.
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He was one of India’s joint top run-scorers, amassing 176 runs in five matches, which included two half-centuries in the tournament. His blazing 76* against the UAE and his crucial knock in the semifinal against Sri Lanka were highlights of his remarkable performance in the recent ACC U-19 Asia Cup 2024.
He can again undergo an age test: Vaibhav’s father
However, the teenager struggled in the final against Bangladesh, scoring only 9 runs as India lost by 59 runs. Despite the on-field success, the controversy surrounding his age has overshadowed his performance in the ACC U-19 Asia Cup 2024.
Now, reacting to the accusations, Vaibhav’s father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, has defended his son, pointing to a bone test certified by the BCCI conducted five years ago to confirm the teenager’s age.
He was quoted as saying by PTI, “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 again undergo an age test.”
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Vaibhav Suryavanshi to be mentored by RR coach Rahul Dravid
Meanwhile, the 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi has made history by becoming the youngest player ever to be sold at the IPL auction last month. Rajasthan Royals signed the young batting sensation for INR 1.1 crore, and he will be mentored by cricket legend Rahul Dravid.
Rahul Dravid, former Indian head coach, recently returned as the Rajasthan Royals’ head coach. Despite facing age-related allegations, Suryavanshi is staying focused on his cricket career.
He is set to make his List A debut for Bihar in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. Vaibhav will then join a star-studded Rajasthan Royals team, featuring players like Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Jofra Archer in the IPL 2025.