India, April 20 -- Vaibhav Suryavanshi, at 14 years and 23 days, became the youngest-ever player to make an IPL debut when he was brought in as an impact sub for Rajasthan Royals in the match against the Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday in Jaipur. But what followed was what made him a sensation overnight. He nonchalantly smashed the first ball of his IPL career, bowled by Shardul Thakur, for a six over cover, en route to a fiery 20-ball 34, while also stitching an 85-run opening stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal.

The buzz around the 14-year-old had been building since he was roped in by the Royals for INR 1.1 crore at last November's mega IPL auction, shortly after his 58-ball ton for India U19 in a Test match against Australia. Royals then ga...