As the Indian Premier League kicks off, all eyes turn not just to veterans - but to 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals.
Three years ago, at age 12, Suryavanshi stunned selectors by dominating bowlers twice his age. His aggressive strokeplay - likened to Garry Sobers - forced India’s cricket board to fast-track him after a rain-delay detour led selector Thilak Naidu to witness his 86-run innings.
At 13, he became IPL’s youngest centurion - smashing 100 off 35 balls. At 15, he capped the U19 World Cup final with 175 off 80 balls against England, hitting 15 sixes.
Legends are captivated. Ravi Shastri questions why he isn’t already playing four-day cricket. Sachin Tendulkar praises his fearless bat speed. AB de Villiers calls him “mature for his age.”
Now, on his 15th birthday - March 27, the same date Tendulkar debuted as opener in 1994 - cricket waits. Not if he’s ready. But if the game is ready for him.
