36-Ball Century Stuns Fans, ‘AI Bat’ Claims Put Vaibhav Suryavanshi Under Spotlight

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s 36-ball century in IPL 2026 grabbed global attention, but also sparked bizarre “AI chip in bat” claims from Pakistan. Despite controversy, his stellar performance continues to earn widespread praise across the cricket world.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Century Sparks ‘AI Bat’ Controversy (Image Source: Internet)

New Delhi: Vaibhav Suryavanshi etched his name in history during IPL 2026 by smashing a century off just 36 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad. This marked the third-fastest century in the history of the IPL, leaving the cricketing world in awe.

A Bizarre Allegation from Pakistan

While he is being lauded across the globe, a rather different conversation is brewing in Pakistan. Cricket expert Nauman Niaz has claimed that there might be an "AI chip" embedded in Vaibhav's bat, which is enhancing his batting prowess.

Nauman Niaz went as far as to suggest that, much like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) conducts dope tests on athletes, Vaibhav's bat should also undergo scrutiny. He called for the bat to be sent to a laboratory for testing—a statement that has since sparked considerable controversy.

Questions Raised Over Age and Performance

Niaz further remarked that such a level of batting proficiency at such a tender age (approximately 16 years old) appears highly unusual. Drawing a comparison, he noted that players of this age are typically still undergoing physical development, whereas Vaibhav is already performing at an elite level.

Stellar Statistics Provide the Answer

Vaibhav's performance itself serves as a fitting rebuttal to these allegations.

• IPL 2026: 8 Matches, 357 Runs
• Average: 59.50
• Strike Rate: 187.89
• 1 century, 2 half-centuries

Over his entire IPL career, he has amassed 609 runs across 15 matches, including 2 centuries and 3 half-centuries.

Performance Takes Precedence Over Controversy

Cricket fans and experts alike have dismissed these allegations as baseless, labeling them an unnecessary controversy surrounding a magnificent performance.

Vaibhav's batting prowess is widely regarded as the direct result of his sheer hard work and innate talent. All in all, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has successfully captured everyone's attention with his game.

While his record-breaking innings continue to garner widespread praise on one hand, the emergence of such allegations on the other has only served to further intensify the ongoing debate.