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Fact Check: Is Vaibhav Suryavanshi Truly 14? Inside The Age Fraud Controversy - In Pics

The Vaibhav Suryavanshi age fraud controversy has emerged as one of the most widely discussed topics. With allegations from former cricketers, viral videos, resurfaced photos, and record-breaking performances, the debate around whether Vaibhav is truly 14 continues to dominate cricket searches. His father’s defence, BCCI-approved bone tests, and new age-verification rules add layers to the story.

Zee Media Bureau | Dec 12, 2025, 14:02 PM IST

The Vaibhav Suryavanshi age fraud controversy has emerged as one of the most widely discussed topics. With allegations from former cricketers, viral videos, resurfaced photos, and record-breaking performances, the debate around whether Vaibhav is truly 14 continues to dominate cricket searches. His father’s defence, BCCI-approved bone tests, and new age-verification rules add layers to the story.

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1. A Dream Debut Wrapped in Doubt

1. A Dream Debut Wrapped in Doubt

Vaibhav’s IPL debut at 14 captivated fans, but his power hitting instantly triggered suspicion as experts questioned whether a teenager could dominate seasoned bowlers with such ease.(Photo Credit - X)

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2. Junaid Khan’s Public Accusation

2. Junaid Khan’s Public Accusation

Former Pakistan fast bowler Junaid Khan ignited the storm by posting Vaibhav’s U19 Asia Cup highlights and questioning if a teen could hit towering sixes with that sort of strength.(Photo Credit - X)

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3. Family Stands Firm

3. Family Stands Firm

Vaibhav’s father, Sanjiv Suryavanshi, dismissed the allegations and asserted that his son had been transparent about his age since childhood.(Photo Credit - X)

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4. Bone Test Records Back the Claim

4. Bone Test Records Back the Claim

Sanjiv revealed that Vaibhav underwent a BCCI-approved bone test at eight, which officially verified his age, lending scientific weight to their defense.(Photo Credit - X)

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5. U19 Selection Adds Pressure

5. U19 Selection Adds Pressure

His rapid rise to India’s U19 squad created fresh doubts as critics questioned how someone so young could excel in high-pressure international youth cricket.(Photo Credit - X)

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6. 2017 Photo Sparks Online Debate

6. 2017 Photo Sparks Online Debate

A resurfaced image showing a young Vaibhav supporting Rising Pune Supergiants in 2017 went viral, with doubters claiming the timeline didn’t match his reported age. (Photo Credit - X)

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7. A Father’s Sacrifice Highlights the Struggle

7. A Father’s Sacrifice Highlights the Struggle

Amid the controversy, Sanjiv disclosed that he sold farmland to fund Vaibhav’s cricket journey, adding emotional depth to the family’s pursuit of his dream.(Photo Credit - X)

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8. Record Performances Invite More Scrutiny

8. Record Performances Invite More Scrutiny

His rapid IPL fifty and T20 century stirred further debate, with skeptics pointing to his apparent physical maturity. (Photo Credit - X)

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9. Auction Price Adds Fuel

9. Auction Price Adds Fuel

Rajasthan Royals signing him for Rs 1.10 crore intensified discussions, as many questioned how a 14-year-old could command such valuation. (Photo Credit - X)

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10. Repeated Denials of Wrongdoing

10. Repeated Denials of Wrongdoing

The family repeatedly asserted that no age fraud occurred and encouraged critics to rely on official documentation rather than speculation. (Photo Credit - X)

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11. BCCI Introduces a New Rule

11. BCCI Introduces a New Rule

After multiple allegations, the BCCI rolled out an updated age-verification rule requiring a second bone test to ensure accuracy for junior players. (Photo Credit - X)

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12. TW3 Method Under Review

12. TW3 Method Under Review

The shift came after critics argued that the earlier system’s calculation factor did not always represent true biological age. (Photo Credit - X)

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13. A Viral Video Raises More Questions

13. A Viral Video Raises More Questions

A circulating clip in which Vaibhav allegedly mentioned a different birth date added fresh controversy, though its authenticity remains unverified. (Photo Credit - X)

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14. BCCI Seeks Greater Accuracy

14. BCCI Seeks Greater Accuracy

Officials clarified that the revised rule prevents players from losing opportunities due to mathematical adjustments rather than scientific assessment. (Photo Credit - X)

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15. U16 Eligibility Criteria Tightened

15. U16 Eligibility Criteria Tightened

Under the new guidelines, bone age must fall within stricter limits to ensure fair participation across junior categories. (Photo Credit - X)

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16. Social Media Turns into a Battlefield

16. Social Media Turns into a Battlefield

Cricket fans split into two camps, with some defending the prodigy and others demanding more transparency from authorities. (Photo Credit - X)

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17. Former Players Join the Debate

17. Former Players Join the Debate

Some ex-cricketers praised Vaibhav’s extraordinary talent, while others echoed concerns over age fraud trends in junior cricket. (Photo Credit - X)

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18. IPL 2025 Spotlight Works Both Ways

18. IPL 2025 Spotlight Works Both Ways

Though his performances made him a rising star, the constant spotlight amplified the controversy surrounding his age. (Photo Credit - X)

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19. Vaibhav Continues to Perform

19. Vaibhav Continues to Perform

Despite the noise, the youngster remains focused, delivering match-winning knocks that keep strengthening his case on the field. (Photo Credit - X)

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20. The Truth Still Awaits Consensus

20. The Truth Still Awaits Consensus

While bone test records and family statements support his claimed age, the divided opinions show the debate is far from over. (Photo Credit - X)

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