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Vaibhav Suryavanshi Tops Virat Kohli as India’s Most Searched—But Says He’s Not Paying Attention

'I don't pay attention': Vaibhav Suryavanshi on surpassing Virat Kohli

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In a nation where cricket is religion and Virat Kohli is practically a deity, a 14-year-old boy from Bihar has done the unthinkable: he’s become more searched than the King himself. According to Google’s 2025 Year in Search report, Vaibhav Suryavanshi is now India’s most searched personality—surpassing actors, politicians, and even the legendary Kohli.

But here’s the twist: when asked about it, Vaibhav shrugged it off with the calm of a seasoned veteran. “I don’t pay attention,” he said simply. In an age of viral fame and social media obsession, his grounded response is as rare as his talent. Let’s explore how Vaibhav Suryavanshi went from village nets to national headlines—and why cricket fans believe he’s the real deal.

The Rise of a Teenage Sensation

Born in Patna, Vaibhav Suryavanshi began holding a cricket bat before most kids could tie their shoes. Coaches at his local academy quickly noticed his hand-eye coordination, fearless strokeplay, and an uncanny ability to read spin—traits rarely seen in someone so young.

By age 12, he was playing for Bihar’s U16 team. By 13, he was the youngest ever to score a double century in a national junior tournament. And now, at 14, he’s not just making runs—he’s making history.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi and the Google Record

Google’s “Year in Search 2025” report sent shockwaves through Indian sports media. Vaibhav Suryavanshi topped the list of most-searched personalities in India—beating out Bollywood stars, tech CEOs, and yes, even Virat Kohli .

This isn’t just a vanity metric. It reflects genuine public fascination. Searches for “Vaibhav Suryavanshi age,” “Vaibhav Suryavanshi stats,” and “Vaibhav Suryavanshi 171 runs” surged by over 900% in a single week following his U19 Asia Cup performance .

For context: Virat Kohli has dominated this list for nearly a decade. For a 14-year-old to dethrone him—even temporarily—speaks volumes about the impact of that one innings.

The Innings That Broke the Internet

It all happened during the 2025 U19 Asia Cup. Facing a strong Sri Lankan U19 attack, Vaibhav walked in at No. 3 with India struggling at 42/2. What followed was a masterclass in controlled aggression:

  • 171 runs off just 95 balls
  • 18 fours and 7 sixes—including one that cleared the stadium roof
  • Struck at a jaw-dropping 180+ strike rate
  • Became the youngest Indian to score a U19 century in an Asia Cup final

The video of his cover drive off the final over went viral on Instagram, racking up 12 million views in 24 hours. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar even reposted it with the caption: “Future is bright.”

His Response to Fame: “I Don’t Pay Attention”

Despite the whirlwind of media requests, brand offers, and fan messages, Vaibhav remains startlingly composed. In a recent interview with the Times of India, he said: “I don’t pay attention to all this. My job is to play cricket. The rest is noise.”

His father, a school teacher, credits their simple lifestyle and strict routine for keeping Vaibhav grounded. “He studies, he practices, he sleeps. That’s it,” Mr. Suryavanshi shared. “No social media. No distractions.”

This mindset is rare in today’s hyper-connected world—especially for someone dubbed “the next Kohli” before hitting puberty.

What Makes Him Different From Other Prodigies?

India has seen teenage sensations before—Prithvi Shaw, Yashasvi Jaiswal—but Vaibhav stands out for three key reasons:

  1. Technical Maturity: His backlift, balance, and shot selection mirror international batters, not juniors.
  2. Temperament Under Fire: He accelerates when the pressure mounts—unlike many young players who freeze.
  3. Zero Ego: Despite the fame, he’s known for carrying teammates’ kits and cleaning the dressing room.

[INTERNAL_LINK:u19-asia-cup-stars] scouts from the BCCI and IPL franchises are already monitoring him closely. One talent evaluator called him “a once-in-a-generation blend of flair and focus.”

What’s Next for Vaibhav Suryavanshi?

With the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, Vaibhav is expected to lead India’s campaign. His performance could fast-track him into domestic cricket—possibly even an IPL contract as a net bowler or developmental player.

While comparisons to Kohli are inevitable, Vaibhav has his own path. As he told reporters: “I’m not trying to be anyone else. I’m just Vaibhav.”

Conclusion: Talent, Humility, and a Bright Future

Vaibhav Suryavanshi isn’t just a cricketing prodigy—he’s a refreshing reminder that greatness can come with grace. In a world hungry for the “next big thing,” he’s focused on the only thing that matters: perfecting his craft. Whether he becomes a global superstar or not, one thing’s certain: Indian cricket has found its newest beacon of hope.

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