After Sanjiv Suryavanshi leased his land to farmers to fund the 10th birthday of his son Vaibhav’s cricketing desires he had no idea that the child would be making history within three years. During the second and final day of the IPL mega auctions in Jeddah, Vaibhav, aged 13 years and eight months, became the youngest player ever to be selected by a club when the Rajasthan Royals paid Rs 1.10 crore for him. Sanjiv, who owned farmland in his home in Motipur village, 15 kilometers from Samastipur in Bihar, was at a loss for words.
“Woh ab sirf humra bituwa nahi pura State ka bituwa hai (He is not just my son now, but entire Bihar’s son),” Sanjiv told PTI over the phone while his son was in Dubai. My son worked hard. At the age of eight, he excelled at the U-16 district trials. I would take him to Samastipur for cricket lessons and then return,” he recounted the difficult times.
So, were his finances in order as cricket is an investment? “It is not simply an investment; it is a significant investment. Aapko kya bataye, humne apna Zameen tak bech diya. I sold my land. Financial concerns still exist).” When asked about the controversy surrounding Vaibhav’s true age, which many assume to be 15 years, his father was quick to clarify. He has already represented India U-19. Sanjiv claimed that Bihar Cricket Association president Rakesh Tiwary’s “blessings” had always aided Vaibhav on his journey.
“Rakesh ji ka ashirwaad raha hai bahoot (Rakesh ji’s blessings are there).” His base price at the auction was Rs. 30 lakh, and Delhi Capitals made the first bid. RR entered the fray for Rs. 35 lakh and eventually outbid DC to bring the player on board. So, how did this bidding war occur? Vikram Rathour sir (batting coach) provided him with a match circumstance in which he needed to score 17 runs in an over. Bituwa has three chakka mara. He smacked three sixes during the trials. During trials,
A 13-year-old may struggle to grasp the concept of earning a crore. So, how does he intend to keep his young son out of monetary discussions? “He only wants to play cricket, nothing else. “He used to love Doremon, but not anymore,” Sanjiv explained.
BCA applauds the selection. BCA president Tiwary praised the youngster following his 1.10 crore bid for RR. “His path from Bihar to the IPL showcases his brilliance, hard work, and determination. The Bihar Cricket Association has always believed in developing new talent, and Vaibhav’s performance demonstrates the state’s cricketing potential. “We are confident that he will continue to perform and inspire aspiring cricketers in Bihar and beyond.” I congratulate Vaibhav and his family.”