At just 14, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has added another extraordinary milestone to his meteoric rise in Indian cricket. The Bihar batting sensation was honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar—India’s highest civilian award for children—in a ceremony presided over by President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi. Following the event, Suryavanshi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, capping off a historic day for the teenage prodigy.

Presidential honour for cricket’s teen sensation

Vaibhav Suryavanshi received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) on December 26, 2025, at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The award, conferred by President Droupadi Murmu, recognises exceptional achievements by children aged 5 to 18 in categories including bravery, art and culture, environment, innovation, science and technology, social service, and sports.

For Suryavanshi, the recognition comes on the back of a string of jaw-dropping performances that have made him one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the country. The left-handed batter arrived in Delhi on December 25 to attend the ceremony, missing Bihar’s Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Manipur—a professional sacrifice that underscores the significance of the national honour.

After the formal award ceremony, Suryavanshi and his fellow awardees will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an interaction aimed at inspiring the next generation of Indian leaders and achievers.

Vijay Hazare Trophy heroics

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s selection for the PMRBP follows a series of breathtaking performances that have marked him out as a cricketer with rare talent. He made national headlines during Bihar’s opening Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Arunachal Pradesh, where he smashed a monumental 190 runs off just 84 balls—one of the most explosive innings in the tournament’s history.

That record-breaking knock, featuring an array of boundaries and towering sixes, not only showcased his power-hitting ability but also solidified his reputation as one of the most dangerous young batters in Indian domestic cricket. Suryavanshi’s strike rate and fearless approach have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s most destructive players, despite his tender age.

His absence from the remainder of the Vijay Hazare Trophy is a trade-off any athlete would gladly make to receive national recognition from the President and Prime Minister. For a 14-year-old, the opportunity to be celebrated on such a stage is both a reward for past achievements and a launchpad for future success.

IPL 2025 and international ambitions

Beyond domestic cricket, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has already tasted the big league. He was picked up by Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 auction, making him one of the youngest players ever to be signed by an IPL franchise. The move signalled the faith that franchises and selectors have in his ability to perform at the highest level despite his age.

While he has yet to make his IPL debut, the exposure to elite coaching, training facilities, and world-class teammates at Rajasthan Royals is expected to accelerate his development. Suryavanshi’s PMRBP award adds another layer of recognition and responsibility, raising expectations that he will eventually represent India at the international level.

What is the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar?

The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is India’s highest civilian honour for children, awarded annually to those aged 5 to 18 who demonstrate exceptional achievements in the following categories:

Bravery

  • Art and culture

  • Environment

  • Innovation

  • Science and technology

  • Social service

  • Sports

The award celebrates the excellence of India’s youth and recognises contributions that inspire others and deserve national recognition. Winners receive a medal, certificate, and citation booklet, along with the opportunity to meet the President and Prime Minister.

For Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the PMRBP represents official acknowledgment of his contributions to Indian cricket at an age when most teenagers are still figuring out their careers. It also places him in the company of other young achievers who have made an impact in their respective fields, further cementing his status as a role model for aspiring cricketers across the country.

A beacon of hope for young athletes

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s journey from the grounds of Bihar to Rashtrapati Bhavan serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes across India. His rise has been meteoric, built on natural talent, hard work, and a fearless approach to the game that belies his years.

As he balances the weight of national expectations with his natural flair for cricket, the PMRBP acts as both a reward for his achievements so far and a catalyst for what promises to be an extraordinary career. Whether he goes on to represent India in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, or becomes a mainstay in the IPL for years to come, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has already achieved something few cricketers his age can claim: recognition at the highest levels of both sport and national honour.