IPL 2025: Age fraud claims by boxer Vijender Singh set off storm of speculation around Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Vijender Singh, Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Pic: AFP/IPL/X)

Olympic bronze medallist and former world boxing champion Vijender Singh stirred a social media storm on Wednesday after sharing a cryptic post that hinted at possible age fraud within Indian cricket. His remark has reignited debate over the persistent issue of age manipulation in Indian sports, particularly in age-group events.

"Bhai aaj kal umar choti ker ke cricket me bhe khelne lage (Players have started reducing their age in cricket too)," Singh posted on X, formerly Twitter. His comment, though not naming anyone directly, arrived amid growing speculation around Rajasthan Royals' young batting sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

Suryavanshi, who is officially 14 years and 32 days old, made headlines on Monday after smashing a historic 101 off just 38 balls against Gujarat Titans at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. In only his third Indian Premier League (IPL) appearance, the teenage prodigy became the youngest player to score a century in IPL and T20 history. His 35-ball ton is now the fastest by an Indian and the second-fastest overall in the league's records.

While Suryavanshi's performance drew widespread praise, it also triggered skepticism on social media about the authenticity of his age. Some users began circulating older videos and questioning whether the teenager is indeed 14.

"Even if this Vaibhav guy did age fraud, such insane power-hitting at the age of 15-16 is crazyyy man," one user posted on X.

Another user shared an old interview clip of the cricketer, claiming, "Vaibhav is definitely older than he states."

A separate post added, "No way Vaibhav Suryavanshi is 14 years old. This is a 3-4-year-old video where he himself accepted that he looks younger than his age and defo not 15! This case should be deeply investigated by @BCCI, and ban him if found guilty."

Earlier last year, Vaibhav's father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, had categorically denied any wrongdoing, responding to similar accusations. "When he was 8 and half years old he first appeared for BCCI bone test. He has already played India U-19. We don't fear anyone. He can again undergo age test," he told PTI.