Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s scintillating century wasn’t just a cricketing masterclass; it was a roaring declaration from Bihar, a state that has been sidelined in the cricketing universe for far too long. Crafted with audacious brilliance, his knock in the IPL 2025 has sent shockwaves across the cricketing fraternity, reigniting hope for a region battling administrative chaos and neglect.
Since the bifurcation of Bihar and Jharkhand in 2000, cricket in Bihar has been in a state of disarray. The BCCI’s decision to recognize Jharkhand’s state unit in 2004 further pushed Bihar into obscurity. Internal conflicts among factions claiming to be the legitimate custodians of cricket in the state, coupled with political interference, left the sport in shambles. Aditya Verma, secretary of the unrecognized Cricket Association of Bihar, became the face of the state’s cricketing struggles, especially after his legal battles following the IPL spot-fixing scandal in 2013.
While it’s too early to say that Suryavanshi’s 35-ball century for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans will single-handedly transform Bihar’s cricketing landscape, it’s a beacon of hope. This explosive innings, the second-fastest century in IPL history, has the potential to put Bihar back on the cricketing map. For years, while talent from other regions flourished, Bihar’s cricketers faded into oblivion, lacking platforms and opportunities. Suryavanshi’s heroics might just change that narrative.
The trend on social media – ‘what were you doing at 14’ – is nauseating. To make your child the next Vaibhav can’t be a quest. Chances are the quest will go badly wrong.#vaibhavsuryavanshi @rajasthanroyals #IPL2025 #RRvGT @BoriaMajumdar writes.https://t.co/zb00SfQYzz
— Indiabet Global (@IndiabetGlobal) April 29, 2025
“This innings should awaken the authorities in Bihar,” said Syed Saba Karim, the former India wicketkeeper-batter who hails from Bihar. Speaking to Indiabet, Karim emphasized, “This could be the catalyst for change. It’s time to focus on infrastructure and opportunities for young talents like Suryavanshi. Bihar has the potential, but it needs the right support system.”
Karim, who played for the undivided Bihar before shifting to Bengal, knows the struggles firsthand. Legends like Subroto Banerjee, Randhir Singh, Hari Gidwani, and even MS Dhoni, who made his first-class debut for Bihar, once put the state on the cricketing map. However, the last two decades have seen Bihar’s cricketing legacy fade into obscurity. Aspiring players were forced to migrate to Jharkhand, while other regions flourished.
Remember the name, Vaibhav Suryavanshi. A star is born.@BoriaMajumdar writes #RRvGT #IPL2025 https://t.co/91OHcg4Two
— Indiabet Global (@IndiabetGlobal) April 28, 2025
“For the past three to four years, Bihar has had an elected cricket association,” noted Karim, who has also served as a national selector and BCCI’s Director of Cricket Operations. “But there’s a lot to be done. With over 25 districts, the state needs training facilities in each of them. Suryavanshi had to travel from Samastipur to Patna for proper training. This needs to change. Bihar must have its own stadium and infrastructure to nurture talent.”
Karim also praised the junior selectors of Bihar for identifying Suryavanshi’s talent early, which led to his inclusion in the India U-19 team and eventually the IPL. “It’s been almost two decades since Bihar produced a cricketer of this caliber. Suryavanshi’s rise should inspire the authorities to take proactive steps,” he added.
Suryavanshi’s century is more than just a jaw-dropping performance; it’s a lifeline for cricket in Bihar. While the state was never a consistent supplier of talent, it was far from the non-entity it became post-2004. Although Bihar was included in the national fold following a Supreme Court order in 2018, its cricketers remained in the shadows. Suryavanshi’s thunderous knock under the global spotlight promises a revival, much like the resurgence seen in neighboring Jharkhand.
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