Ranji Trophy 2023-24: Vaibhav Suryavanshi becomes the third-youngest Indian to make debut in a recorded first-class match

The prestigious Ranji Trophy, the cornerstone of Indian domestic cricket, has made a great start to its 2023-24 season. During this time, an emerging talented player, Vaibhav Suryavanshi made his debut in first-class cricket for Bihar against Mumbai at the age of 12 years and 284 days.

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The 2023-24 season of the Ranji Trophy, featuring 38 teams from both the Elite and Plate groups, began on January 5. This tournament is an important platform for players to showcase their talent and leave their mark in Indian cricket. Mumbai, the team that has won the most Ranji Trophy, is playing its first match of this season against Bihar. In this match, all eyes are on Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has debuted for Bihar at a such a young age.

As per official records, Vaibhav Suryavanshi is only 12 years and 284 days old, which makes him one of the youngest debutants in first-class cricket. His inclusion has added a youthful flair to the Bihar team. After this, Vaibhav joins the elite list of young talents who have made their debut in first-class cricket. He is now the 3rd youngest player in India to achieve this feat.

Ahead of his Ranji Trophy debut, Vaibhav showcased his talent for the India Under-19 B team. He performed brilliantly and scored 177 runs in the quadrangular series against England and Bangladesh. In Vinoo Mankad Trophy 2023, Vaibhav showcased his batting skills and scored 393 runs. A left-handed batsman with slow spin bowling skills, he adds versatility to the Bihar team.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi's debut is excellent, but the record of youngest debut in Indian first-class cricket is still in the name of Alimuddin. Alimuddin made his debut in the 1942-43 season at the age of just 12 years and 73 days.

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Globally, only nine players have made their debut in first-class cricket at the age of 13, indicating the rarity of such events. The others are SK Bose (1959-60), Mohammad Ramzan (1937), Aaqib Javed (1984-85), Mohammad Akram (1968-69), Rizwan Sattar (1985-86), Salimuddin (1954-55) and Qasim Feroze (1970-71).