Indian Teen Cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Earns Spot on Global Rising Stars List

Fifteen-year-old Indian cricket star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has earned a spot on the prestigious Time100 Next list, which highlights one hundred rising talents expected to shape fields like sport, entertainment, politics, and business around the world. Sooryavanshi stands out as the youngest person included in this year's selection and is one of only seven athletes featured.

Cricket Milestones

Born in a village in India's Bihar state, Sooryavanshi made his professional debut at age twelve before the Rajasthan Royals bought him at an Indian Premier League auction in 2024, making him the youngest player ever signed there. Shortly after turning fourteen in April 2025, he set a record as the youngest centurion in men's T20 cricket. His rapid climb continued in 2026 when he led India to an Under-19 World Cup victory and won the Player of the Tournament award. He then surpassed Sachin Tendulkar by becoming the youngest male player to represent India in senior international cricket during a series against England. Speaking about his approach on the field, Sooryavanshi has stated that for however long he is out there, as long as he dominates and plays his game, he can snatch victory away from the opposing team.

Event Details

Alongside Sooryavanshi, six other athletes made the global list, including American football quarterback Arch Manning, basketball player Tyrese Maxey, footballers Naomi Girma and Folarin Balogun, tennis player Alexandra Eala, and basketball player Olivia Miles. Time CEO Jessica Sibley noted that the people featured on the list are pushing boundaries, creating new possibilities, and advancing their fields and communities globally. British singer-songwriter Raye is scheduled to perform at the annual Time100 Next event on October 29 in New York.

Context

Rising sports figures often achieve global recognition early in their careers when exceptional junior performances translate into senior international success. Lists like this highlight emerging talents who are beginning to draw international attention outside their home countries. Cricket remains one of the most widely followed sports in India, where young players frequently rise through domestic leagues to represent the national team.