In a thrilling IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Gujarat Titans (GT), cricket enthusiasts got to experience a jaw-dropping performance by emerging batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The game, played at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, was filled with drama, suspense, and moments that would last a lifetime, but it was Suryavanshi's dazzling knock that hogged the limelight and made his name in IPL history.

The basic facts, in case you missed it. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, from Bihar, who turned 14 after this IPL started, took on a bowling attack of Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Ishant Sharma, Washington Sundar, Prasidh Krishna, Karim Janat and R Sai Kishore - 694 international caps between them - and smashed them for 101 runs in 38 balls. It was the second-fastest century in the IPL, and it was much else besides.

We have seen him play it in the nets over the last few months. So we had an idea of what he was capable of and what sort of shots he is capable of playing," Rathour told the press during the conference after RR had defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) by eight wickets in pursuit of 210 with 25 balls remaining. But to do it in front of this sort of crowd and in a circumstance like this, against a genuinely good bowling attack, was especially special. This innings not only won the match but also the hearts of millions. Cricket's fraternity turned to Twitter to applaud his brilliance, with former players, commentators, and current heroes praising the young man's maturity and talent.

Cricketing Fraternity Reacts to Vaibhav's historical knock

At 14, most kids dream & eat Icecream.Vaibhav Suryavamshi delivers a fabulous 100 against one of the contenders for IPl! composure, class, and courage beyond his years. We are witnessing the rise of a phenom. Indian cricket’s next superstar is here! #vaibhavsuryavanshi #GTvsRR pic.twitter.com/ycDLV9BUkd

— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) April 28, 2025

Many congratulations to young #VaibhavSuryavanshi for breaking my record of the fastest @IPL hundred by an Indian! Even more special to see it happen while playing for @rajasthanroyals , just like I did. There’s truly something magical about this franchise for youngsters. Long… pic.twitter.com/kVa2Owo2cc

— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) April 28, 2025

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, what an incredible talent..Scoring a century at just 14 is unreal. Keep shining brother .... #IPLCentury #vaibhavsuryavanshi pic.twitter.com/BsahBrZDj0

— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) April 28, 2025

What were you doing at 14?!! This kid is taking on the best bowlers in the world without blinking an eyelid! Vaibhav Suryavanshi — remember the name! Playing with a fearless attitude 🔥 Proud to see the next generation shine! #VaibhavSuryavanshi #GTvsRR

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) April 28, 2025

Superstar Vaibhav Suryavanshi ♠️ 🔥 🔥 More power to you youngster 🧿 @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/bYSwAWVb6m

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) April 28, 2025

Also read: WATCH: Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal Praise the heroics of Vaibhav Suryavanshi

How can a 14-year-old hit so hard?

On the evening, Suryavanshi struck 11 sixes and seven fours. A majority of his sixes traveled a long, long distance. As we have discussed elsewhere on ESPNcricinfo, there is something distinct about his bat-swing in his game that may be the reason for his strength.

"If you can see how his backlift is, it begins here [the back ear] and then goes almost like a whip. So he gets a bit of added whip into his shots, because it's not like a regular up-and-down type of backlift," Aaron said. "It will be great to have one of those trackers that we have which monitor the backlift; it's a very different backlift and I believe that is what makes his unique and he is able to generate so much power with that effort for someone who is that young."

Imagine what Aaron said, or just go back and think about Suryavanshi's batting last night, and the name that comes to mind is that of Yuvraj Singh. It did for Bishop, at least. But "Pendulum swing. I recollect when Yuvraj arrived on the scene, and with pendulum swing, and you can see the full range in action. How do you… phew!"