Vaibhav Suryavanshi Receives India’s Highest Civilian Award

At an age when most teenagers are still navigating school exams and age-group tournaments, Vaibhav Suryavanshi is already rewriting Indian cricket’s record books and earning national recognition at the highest level. The 14-year-old batting prodigy from Bihar added another extraordinary milestone to his meteoric rise on Friday when he was conferred with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP)—India’s highest civilian award for children.

The award ceremony, held in New Delhi, marked a defining moment in Suryavanshi’s young career. He received the prestigious honour from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, placing him among the country’s most exceptional young achievers across disciplines. Following the formal ceremony, the teenage cricketer also had the honour of meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside other award recipients, in an interaction aimed at inspiring the next generation of Indian leaders and innovators.

A National Honour That Comes at a Cost

While the recognition brought immense pride, it also required a significant professional sacrifice. Due to his presence in the capital for the award ceremony and related official engagements, Vaibhav Suryavanshi was unavailable for the remainder of Bihar’s Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures, including the match against Manipur.

For any athlete, particularly one riding the momentum of a historic performance, missing competitive matches is never an easy decision. However, being honoured with the PMRBP, a once-in-a-lifetime national recognition, represents a moment far larger than a single domestic tournament. Team sources confirmed that Suryavanshi travelled to New Delhi immediately after Bihar’s opening match, ruling him out of further participation in the competition this season.

What Is the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar?

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is India’s highest civilian honour for children aged five to 18 years. Instituted to recognise exceptional talent and courage at a young age, the award is presented annually across multiple categories, including sports, bravery, art and culture, innovation, science and technology, social service, and environmental contributions.

This year, 20 young achievers from across the country were honoured for their outstanding accomplishments. Addressing the awardees, President Murmu emphasised the broader significance of their achievements and the inspiration they provide to the nation.

“Your achievements inspire the entire country. Every child honoured today is equally important and valued,” she said. “It is because of such gifted children that India continues to shine on the global stage.”

The President also acknowledged the critical role played by families and parents in nurturing exceptional talent, while noting that time constraints prevented individual citations for every recipient.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi — rewriting the script at just 14
Already touching greatness, and now honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 🏅
A prodigy rising way ahead of his time 💗 pic.twitter.com/tHA51l907x— . (@kadaipaneer_) December 26, 2025

From Bihar’s Grounds to Rashtrapati Bhavan

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s presence at Rashtrapati Bhavan came just days after one of the most astonishing innings ever witnessed in Indian domestic cricket. Playing for Bihar against Arunachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on December 24, the left-handed batter produced a knock that instantly entered cricketing folklore.

Suryavanshi smashed 190 runs off just 84 balls, striking 16 fours and 15 sixes, and scoring at an astonishing strike rate of 226.19. The innings was not just remarkable for its volume of runs, but for the sheer speed and authority with which it was constructed.

In the process, the teenager achieved multiple historic milestones. At 14 years and 272 days, he became the youngest cricketer in men’s List A history to score a century. Even more staggering was the pace of his hundred—it came in just 36 balls, making it the third-fastest List A century by an Indian.

Records Shattered, History Rewritten

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s assault on the Arunachal Pradesh bowling attack did not stop there. He also broke a long-standing global record, surpassing AB de Villiers’ fastest 150 in men’s List A cricket. Suryavanshi reached the milestone in just 59 balls, eclipsing de Villiers’ 64-ball effort against the West Indies in 2015.

The knock formed the backbone of an unprecedented batting onslaught by Bihar. Led by captain Sakibul Jani, who scored 128 not out from 40 balls, and Ayush Loharuka, who contributed 116 off 56 deliveries, Bihar amassed a staggering 574 for 6—the highest total ever recorded in List A cricket.

Arunachal Pradesh were later bowled out for 177 in 42.1 overs, handing Bihar a crushing 398-run victory, the most lopsided result of the tournament.

Well done Vaibhav 🔥#VaibhavSuryavanshi https://t.co/erP7ZrnPzM pic.twitter.com/BlT9HYl5mD— Priyansh (@bhhupendrajogi) December 26, 2025

A Performance That Captured the Nation’s Imagination

Suryavanshi’s exploits resonated far beyond cricketing circles. Former players, analysts, and fans alike hailed the innings as a glimpse into India’s next generation of batting brilliance. Among the most notable reactions came from Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who drew a direct comparison with one of Indian cricket’s greatest icons.

“The last time a fourteen-year-old showed such prodigious cricketing talent, it was Sachin Tendulkar—and we all know what became of him,” Tharoor wrote on social media. “What are we waiting for? Vaibhav Suryavanshi for India!”

Tharoor tagged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), along with Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar, amplifying calls for accelerated recognition and progression for the young batter.

A Rising Star Balancing Fame and Responsibility

The PMRBP recognition acknowledges not only Suryavanshi’s remarkable on-field achievements but also the discipline, dedication, and maturity he has displayed at an age when most players are still competing at school or district levels. His rapid ascent—from local grounds in Bihar to national headlines and Rashtrapati Bhavan—serves as a powerful symbol of opportunity for aspiring athletes across the country.

Despite the growing spotlight, those close to the teenager have stressed the importance of managing expectations carefully. The award, while celebratory, also places Suryavanshi under a new level of scrutiny as he balances national recognition with the demands of professional cricket.

What Lies Ahead for Vaibhav Suryavanshi?

With his Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign effectively concluded, attention is now expected to shift towards the international age-group circuit. Suryavanshi is widely tipped to be included in India’s Under-19 squad, particularly with the Under-19 World Cup scheduled to begin on January 15.

He has already shown his ability to perform on big stages, having scored an IPL hundred in his debut season. He is increasingly being touted as a future senior international cricketer. Selectors and fans alike will be watching closely as he takes his next steps.

A Week That Defined a Career

For Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the past week has encapsulated the extraordinary pace of his rise. From delivering a record-breaking knock that stunned the domestic cricketing world to being honoured with the highest civilian award for children, the teenager has experienced milestones that many players spend decades chasing.

Friday’s ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan marked a different kind of achievement—one that places national recognition alongside cricketing promise. It underscored why Vaibhav Suryavanshi is no longer viewed merely as a talented youngster but as one of India’s most compelling emerging prospects in sports.

As he prepares for the next chapter of his journey, one thing is already clear: talent may know no age, but in Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s case, it has found the perfect stage far earlier than expected.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies