New Delhi: Fourteen-year-old cricket prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi added another remarkable milestone to his rapidly rising career on Friday after being conferred with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP), India’s highest civilian award for children. The honour comes close on the heels of his record-shattering performances in domestic cricket and firmly establishes him as one of the brightest young sporting talents the country has seen in recent years.
The award ceremony was held in the national capital, where President Droupadi Murmu formally presented the PMRBP to Vaibhav and other recipients for exceptional achievements across various fields. Following the ceremony, Vaibhav is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an interaction that is traditionally aimed at motivating young achievers and acknowledging their contribution to the nation.
National recognition at a young age
Vaibhav, who represents Bihar in domestic cricket, travelled to New Delhi earlier this week, which forced him to miss Bihar’s Vijay Hazare Trophy Plate Group match against Manipur. While the absence from competitive cricket is significant for any professional athlete, the honour of receiving the PMRBP is widely seen as a rare and prestigious moment that transcends on-field commitments.
At just 14 years of age, Vaibhav’s selection for the award highlights not only his extraordinary sporting achievements but also his discipline, dedication and impact on Indian cricket at the grassroots level. The PMRBP is awarded annually to children between the ages of 5 and 18 for exceptional accomplishments, and Vaibhav has been recognised in the sports category.
Record-breaking performances in domestic cricket
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s rise to national prominence has been fuelled by a series of sensational performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 season. The young opener stunned the cricketing fraternity during Bihar’s opening Plate Group match against Arunachal Pradesh, where he smashed a breathtaking 190 runs off just 84 balls.
That innings was not only a display of raw power but also maturity beyond his years. Vaibhav struck 16 fours and 15 sixes, dominating the bowling attack from the very start and setting the tone for Bihar’s innings. His knock played a decisive role in Bihar posting a mammoth total, which eventually became a world record score of 574 in List A cricket.
With that performance, Vaibhav became the youngest batter in men’s List A cricket history to score a century, achieving the feat at 14 years and 272 days. He broke a long-standing record held by Pakistan’s Zahoor Elahi, who had scored a century at the age of 15 years and 209 days in 1986.
Creating global records before turning 15
Vaibhav’s exploits have not been limited to List A cricket alone. Earlier, he had already etched his name in history by becoming the youngest player to score a century in T20 cricket and the Indian Premier League. With centuries in both List A and T20 formats before turning 15, he became the first men’s cricketer in the world to achieve this unprecedented double.
Such achievements have drawn widespread praise from former cricketers, coaches and fans, many of whom believe that Vaibhav represents the next generation of Indian batting talent. His fearless approach, clean striking and ability to handle pressure situations have stood out despite his tender age.
Meeting the Prime Minister
Following the award ceremony, Vaibhav and fellow PMRBP recipients are scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The interaction is expected to focus on encouraging young achievers to pursue excellence while remaining grounded and socially responsible.
For Vaibhav, the meeting marks another defining moment in a year already filled with historic firsts. From dominating domestic bowlers to being honoured at Rashtrapati Bhavan, his journey reflects how sporting excellence at the grassroots level can earn national recognition.
Understanding the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is India’s highest civilian honour for children and is awarded annually for exceptional achievements in seven categories: bravery, art and culture, environment, innovation, science and technology, social service, and sports. The award aims to recognise outstanding contributions by children that deserve national appreciation and to inspire others to follow similar paths of excellence.
Recipients are selected through a rigorous process, ensuring that only those with truly exceptional achievements are honoured. Being chosen places Vaibhav among a distinguished group of young Indians who have made a significant impact in their respective fields.
Conclusion
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s recognition with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar marks a proud moment not only for him and his family but also for Bihar and Indian cricket as a whole. As he balances the demands of a fast-growing cricketing career with the expectations that come from national recognition, the award serves as both a celebration of his achievements so far and a powerful reminder of the promise he holds for the future. If his current trajectory is any indication, Vaibhav’s journey has only just begun.