India greats welcome rise of a phenom in teen sensation Suryavanshi

BENGALURU - India batting great Sachin Tendulkar led the plaudits for 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi after the Rajasthan Royals batter became the youngest centurion in mens Twenty20 cricket with a knock for the ages in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Suryavanshi had shown glimpses of his ability with a first-ball six on his IPL debut earlier this month, and on Monday his explosive talent was on full display as he tore apart Gujarat Titans with a 38-ball 101 in the Royals eight-wicket win.

Rajasthan coach Rahul Dravid forgot about his leg injury and leapt from his wheelchair when Suryavanshi completed his ton in only 35 balls - the fastest by an Indian player in the league and second only to Chris Gayles 30-ball century in 2013.

Vaibhavs fearless approach, bat speed, picking the length early and transferring the energy behind the ball was the recipe behind a fabulous innings, Tendulkar posted on social media.

End result: 101 runs off 38 balls. Well played!!

Suryavanshi blasted 11 sixes and seven boundaries as he took established international bowlers to the cleaners before walking off to a standing ovation.

What were you doing at 14?!! wrote former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. This kid is taking on the best bowlers in the world without blinking an eyelid ... Playing with a fearless attitude. Proud to see the next generation shine.

Former India skipper Krishnamachari Srikkanth, renowned as a big hitter during his era, said the nation had found its newest superstar.

At 14, most kids dream and eat ice cream, he wrote.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi delivers a fabulous 100 against one of the contenders for the IPL. Composure, class, and courage beyond his years. Were witnessing the rise of a phenom.

Commentator Harsha Bhogle agreed with the 1983 World Cup winners assessment.

He (Suryavanshi) is only