Vaibhav Suryavanshi's U19 Asia Cup performance leads to age fraud accusations; former Pakistani cricketer questions, 'Can a 13-year-old achieve this?'

Suryavanshi and his opening partner Ayush Mahtre were India's joint-highest run-getters in the Asia Cup tournament, both scoring 176 runs in five innings. Among his notable performances, Suryavanshi scored a blazing 76 not out against hosts UAE to help India secure a spot in the semifinals, and also played a crucial knock of 67 against Sri Lanka in the penultimate round.

Junaid, taking to Instagram, shared a video of Suryavanshi's semifinal knock. The 13-year-old clobbered five maximums and six boundaries to win the Player of the Match award in India's seven-wicket victory. The former Pakistan pacer questioned India's batting prodigy's real age.

Junaid asked: “Can a 13-year-old kid really hit such a long six?"

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A post shared by M junaid khan (@junaidkhan_real)

'Vaibhav can again undergo an age test'

Suryavanshi scripted history last month in Jeddah when the 13-year-old became the youngest-ever cricketer to be sold at an IPL auction. The Bihar-based cricketer was acquired by Rajasthan Royals for INR 1.10 crore.

However, days after the accomplishment, Suryavanshi was accused of age fraud, with rumours claiming that his actual age was 15. But his father put the accusations to bed, claiming that his son had already undergone BCCI's bone test five years back to confirm his age. He told PTI, "When he was 8 and half years old, he first appeared for a BCCI bone test. He has already played India U-19. We don't fear anyone. He can again undergo an age test."

Come March 2025, Suryavanshi will share the Rajasthan Royals dressing room with captain Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal and international stars like Jofra Archer. Not to forget, he will also get the opportunity to be mentored by the new head coach of the Royals, Rahul Dravid.

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