![Vaibhav Suryavanshi [Source: AP Photos/x.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1745861680579_vaibhav_suryavanshi(2).jpg?type=mq)
Vaibhav Suryavanshi [Source: AP Photos/x.com]
When 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed his record-breaking IPL century off just 35 deliveries, he didn't just enter the cricket history books—he offered a stunning reminder of how brief yet remarkable his life journey has been. Here's how Indian cricket looked when he was born on March 27, 2011, compared to today.
Indian Cricket Then (March 2011)
MS Dhoni was captain of all three Indian cricket formats
The 'Captain Cool' was at the peak of his leadership powers, having led India since 2007. His calm demeanor and tactical brilliance had already established him as one of India's greatest captains.
India Had Only 1 ODI World Cup
MS Dhoni's iconic six at Wankhede Stadium ended India's 28-year World Cup drought. The entire nation erupted in celebration while newborn Suryavanshi was just six days old.
India had only one T20 World Cup trophy
The inaugural T20 World Cup victory under Dhoni's captaincy had revolutionized India's approach to the shortest format. This victory had catalyzed the creation of the IPL the following year.
Mumbai Indians had 0 IPL titles
The franchise that would later become the most successful in IPL history was still seeking its first championship. Their maiden title would only come in 2013, two years after Suryavanshi's birth.
Chennai Super Kings were the defending IPL champions
Led by MS Dhoni, CSK had won their first title in 2010 and were establishing themselves as an early IPL dynasty. They would go on to win again in 2011, the year of Suryavanshi's birth.
IPL was entering only its fourth season
The tournament was still finding its footing as a global cricket phenomenon. The concept of cricket as entertainment was just beginning to take shape in its current form.
Virat Kohli had played 52 ODIs and was yet to make his Test debut
The future batting legend was a promising 22-year-old who would make his Test debut on June 20, 2011, nearly three months after Suryavanshi's birth. His transformation into a fitness icon and run-scoring machine was still ahead of him.
Rohit Sharma averaged just 27 in ODIs and wasn't yet an opener
The "Hitman" was struggling to cement his place in the Indian team and batting in the middle order. His reinvention as an opener that would transform his career was still two years away.
Sachin Tendulkar was still an active player, pursuing his 100th century
The Master Blaster was in the twilight of his career but still carrying the hopes of a billion fans. His 100th international century would come in 2012, a milestone that seemed unimaginable.
The IPL prize money was ₹10 crores
The financial scale of the tournament was a fraction of what it would become. Player auctions and salaries were significantly lower than today's multi-million dollar deals.
As Vaibhav Suryavanshi hit his sensational century, he connected two distinct cricket eras in India—the one that celebrated a World Cup victory just days after his birth, and the one where he himself creates cricket history, all within just fourteen years.
 "Probuddha Bhattacharjee")
