"It Was His (Lucky) Day": Shubman Gill’s Comment On 14-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s IPL Heroics Sparks Backlash
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With a comprehensive century for the Rajasthan Royals (RR), 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi stunned audiences, commentators, and even established players in what became one of the most incredible moments in IPL history. Suryavanshi's breathtaking knock was the main driver of RR reaching the target with over four overs remaining after chasing a record target of 210 runs.
The fearless batting of the teen prodigy shredded the Gujarat Titans' bowling lineup, casting an air of wonder and incredulity over the whole cricketing universe. But amid admiration heaped on the teenager, one response—or lack of it—stood out.
Youngest to score a T20 1⃣0⃣0⃣
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 28, 2025
Fastest TATA IPL hundred by an Indian
Second-fastest hundred in TATA IPL
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, TAKE. A. BOW
Updates https://t.co/HvqSuGgTlN#TATAIPL | #RRvGT | @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/sn4HjurqR6
While delivering his speech at the post-match ceremony, Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill looked visibly subdued in his appreciation for the young sensation. His description contained a wary note, perhaps betraying the bitter taste of having suffered such a shocking onslaught.
"It was his (lucky) day. His hitting was just tremendous, and he made full use of his day," said Shubman Gill while speaking to the broadcaster after the game.
While the statement acknowledged Suryavanshi’s powerful performance, the emphasis on “luck” didn’t sit well with several cricketing experts and fans who expected a more gracious acknowledgment of the historic feat.
One of the most vocal critics of Gill’s comment was former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja. During a panel discussion on JioStar, Jadeja didn’t mince words when responding to Gill’s choice of framing Suryavanshi’s brilliance as “luck.”
"But a 14-year-old to believe in himself, the amount that he believes in himself, and to take it that far, even if it's, you know, one day like some player on television just said, oh, it was just his lucky day," said Jadeja in a chat with JioStar before the conversation had to be cut due to the presentation ceremony.
Jadeja’s comments underlined the larger sentiment—that Suryavanshi’s innings was far more than a fluke or momentary stroke of fortune. It was, as many noted, the arrival of a rare talent on the biggest stage of franchise cricket.
Jadeja later continued his thoughts, offering deeper reflections on what the moment truly meant—not just for Vaibhav, but for anyone who has ever dared to dream of cricketing glory at a young age.
"All of us who played cricket dreamt of cricket in a certain way, either in our drawing rooms or when we were playing with our friends. This is what you dream of. At 14 and 15, all of us must have dreamt different things. But this is what you actually dream about. This man has gone out there and lived that dream there. There's power. He'll be analyzed a hundred times," said Ajay Jadeja.
His admiration extended beyond Suryavanshi’s technical skills to his fearless mindset—a rare trait even in much older professionals.
Jadeja also credited the management and support staff at Rajasthan Royals for fostering an environment where such young talent could shine without hesitation.
"There are moments after seven overs that you have a strategic timeout. Great credit to Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour and the team, who have allowed him to just keep flowing and keep blossoming. And I think it's the mindset that blows me away more than anything," he added.
While controversy rages on over Gill's remarks, one thing is certain: Vaibhav Suryavanshi has made his entry on the big stage with a bang. His century is not merely an individual achievement but a declaration—of potential, of courage, and of sheer cricketing brilliance.
Whether or not everyone accords him his rightful place, the world is now watching. And the ride has just begun for the teen sensation.
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