South African cricket legend Shaun Pollock could not hold anything back when heaping praise on Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s historic century for Rajasthan Royals.
RR’s win over Gujarat Titans was deservingly overshadowed by their newfound 14-year-old gem, who became the youngest ever to score a T20 hundred — a feat Pollock called the best individual IPL knock he has ever witnessed. The cricket world stood amazed, applauding as Suryavanshi’s sensational 35-ball century became another inspiring chapter in the tournament’s growing history.
His fearless knock not only lifted spirits but also gave Rajasthan Royals a much-needed boost in what had otherwise been a disastrous IPL 2025 campaign, helping them snap a five-match losing streak with a commanding eight-wicket win over Gujarat Titans on April 28. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Pollock emphasised how Suryavanshi’s maturity and fearless strokeplay, especially against seasoned bowlers, made his 38-ball 101 the most impressive IPL innings he had ever witnessed.
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“For me, this is the greatest individual performance ever in the IPL. It has to be. I mean, a 14-year-old to go out there, smash it around, and get a hundred off 35 balls,” Pollock said.
“There have been great victories and great performances over the years, but this has to be the greatest performance in IPL history,” he added.
Vaibhav’s brilliance truly stood out in his fearless assault on Gujarat’s bowling. He smashed veteran pacer Ishant Sharma for 28 runs in the fourth over of RR’s 210-run chase, sending a strong statement.
“I honestly thought corporal punishment for kids was done and dusted. Well, he’s just come out as a school and handed some serious corporal punishment today,” Pllock said.
“He absolutely smashed them. Some of these players have been playing IPL for four years before he was even born. And he just walked out and completely dictated terms,” he added.
Even Mohammed Siraj wasn’t spared, with Vaibhav launching a massive 90-metre six off the very first ball he faced.
