PM interacts with cricket sensation Suryavanshi at airport, praises him

Patna: Bihar's rising cricket sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, added another memorable moment to his burgeoning career on Friday when he met PM Narendra Modi during the latter's two-day visit to the state.The meeting took place at the renovated Patna airport where Vaibhav was accompanied by his family. The PM interacted warmly with the young cricketer, blessing him and praising his remarkable talent. "He is being recognised and applauded across the nation," the PM said.Posting about the meeting on X, the PM wrote, "At Patna airport, met the young cricketing sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi and his family. His cricketing skills are being admired all over the nation! My best wishes to him for his future endeavours."Speaking to TOI, Neeraj Singh, senior GM (admin) of the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA), credited BCA president Rakesh Tiwari for arranging the meeting. "In fact, when Vaibhav scored a 35-ball century in the IPL, the PMO had described him as an ‘extraordinary' player in a post on X. When the PM's visit to Bihar was finalised, our president received a message from the PMO that the PM would like to meet Vaibhav. He then contacted the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for permission. Once approved, we brought Vaibhav to the airport this morning," he said.BCA president Rakesh Tiwari added, "It was not just a personal milestone for Vaibhav but also a proof of the fact that there is no dearth of talent in Bihar cricket – what is needed are the right platforms, opportunities, and positive guidance."Vaibhav has been a standout performer this season, representing Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). He scored 252 runs in seven matches at a striking rate of 206.56. Last year, he became the youngest player ever bought at an IPL auction, acquired for Rs 1.1 crore.His stellar performances continued in domestic and international cricket. He scored 71 off 42 balls on debut against Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, becoming the youngest Indian to record a List-A fifty. Internationally, he set a new benchmark for Indian youth cricket, smashing a 58-ball century in a Test match against Australia in Chennai, the fastest youth Test hundred by an Indian.Vaibhav also played a crucial role in India's campaign at the ACC U-19 Asia Cup, contributing two vital half-centuries and helping the team reach the final. He has been selected to represent India in the upcoming U-19 tour of England.