The Prodigy Who Is Already Too Good for Age-Groups

In the swirling chaos of the 2026 IPL, where established stars chase milestones and franchises hunt for silverware, a 15-year-old from Bihar has stolen the spotlight with the casual swagger of a veteran. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not merely participating in the world’s richest T20 league—he is dominating it. His blistering 15-ball half-century against Chennai Super Kings in the early days of the season, followed by a 26-ball 78 that powered Rajasthan Royals to a record powerplay of 97/1 against...

min read

The Prodigy Who Is Already Too Good for Age-Groups

In the swirling chaos of the 2026 IPL, where established stars chase milestones and franchises hunt for silverware, a 15-year-old from Bihar has stolen the spotlight with the casual swagger of a veteran. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not merely participating in the world’s richest T20 league—he is dominating it. His blistering 15-ball half-century against Chennai Super Kings in the early days of the season, followed by a 26-ball 78 that powered Rajasthan Royals to a record powerplay of 97/1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has left commentators scrambling for superlatives. He briefly snatched the Orange Cap from Yashasvi Jaiswal, hammering eight fours and seven sixes in one innings alone. This is not hype. This is history repeating itself, only faster. Sooryavanshi’s IPL 2025 debut season already read like fiction. At 14 years and 23 days, he became the youngest player ever to feature in the tournament. Then, against Gujarat Titans, he smashed 101 off 38 balls—35 to reach three figures—becoming the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket and posting the second-fastest hundred in IPL history. He finished with 252 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 206.56, blending power with poise. In 2026, the numbers have only escalated: 200 runs in four matches at 266.67, including multiple rapid fifties. He has taken down Jasprit Bumrah with a first-ball maximum and bullied attacks featuring international bowlers as if they were net bowlers. Rajasthan Royals, who bought him for Rs 1.1 crore as a 13-year-old, look like geniuses. Pre-IPL Journey But to understand how good Sooryavanshi truly is, rewind to his pre-IPL journey. He debuted in the Ranji Trophy at 12—the second-youngest ever for Bihar. He made List A history as the youngest centurion and fastest 150. In the 2026 Under-19 World Cup, he was Player of the Tournament, captaining India to glory with a jaw-dropping 175 off 80 balls in the final against England. These are not flashes; they are patterns. A left-handed top-order batter, he possesses an uncanny blend of timing, bat speed, and fearless intent. He plays with the elegance of a classical stroke-maker but the brutality of a modern T20 assassin—lofting spinners into the stands and punishing seamers with disdain. His strike rate north of 200 in IPL speaks volumes. He does not wait for the powerplay to end; he treats every over as the powerplay. Critics will inevitably whisper about the perils of early fame. At 15, he has already faced more pressure than most cricketers see in a decade. The scrutiny, the expectations, the inevitable comparisons—to Sachin Tendulkar’s precocity or Yuvraj Singh’s swagger (his own idols)—could crush a lesser talent. Yet Sooryavanshi carries himself with remarkable composure. His father’s unwavering support and Bihar’s gritty cricket culture seem to have forged a mental steel that matches his physical gifts. He is not just swinging wildly; he is calculating, picking lengths, and executing with clinical precision. ICC Eligible The real question now is not “How good is he?” but “How soon will India call him up?” Having turned 15 on March 27, 2026—just before IPL 2026—he is now ICC-eligible for senior international cricket. Reports suggest the BCCI is already devising a bespoke red-ball development plan to complement his white-ball pyrotechnics. His domestic exploits in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy have shown he can build innings when required, though his first-class average of 17.25 hints at the need for refinement against red-ball lengths. Still, in T20 and ODI formats, where India’s middle order is in transition, Sooryavanshi’s explosiveness is tailor-made. A senior debut post-IPL 2026 feels inevitable. Former Pakistan star Shoaib Malik has already declared he will “play for India after this IPL.” The selectors are watching closely. In an era where T20 cricket rewards audacity, Sooryavanshi embodies the future. He is not the next big thing; he is the thing itself—right now. India must handle him with care: shield him from burnout, nurture his technique across formats, and resist the temptation to overexpose him. But denying his talent would be criminal. At 15, he has records that veterans covet. His heroics are not anomalies; they are proof of a generational talent who has arrived ahead of schedule. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not just good. He is extraordinary—perhaps the most exciting prospect Indian cricket has unearthed in a generation. The IPL is merely his classroom. The Indian team will soon be his stage. And cricket, quite simply, will never be the same. (The writer is a senior journalist based in Mumbai.)

Why Women Are Better Investors Than Men

Kaustubh Kale
Mar 9, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Mar 10, 2025

As the world celebrated International Women's Day, discussions centered around women's achievements in various fields—business, leadership, science, and beyond. But one area where women consistently outperform men, yet receive little recognition, is investing.

Despite money management often being seen as a male-dominated field, women have quietly and consistently proven to be better investors than men. With patience, discipline, and a long-term mindset, women naturally possess qualities that make them superior money managers.

A Perfect Blend of Knowledge and Wealth

In Hindu mythology, Goddess Saraswati symbolizes knowledge, while Goddess Lakshmi represents wealth—two essential pillars of investing. The ability to manage wealth wisely stems from a deep understanding of financial principles, and this is where women excel. They take the time to learn, analyze, and make informed investment decisions rather than rushing into trends or speculation.

Why Women Make Better Investors

Several traits make women stand out as investors:

Patience and Long-Term Vision: Unlike men, who may be more prone to impulsive trading and get-rich-quick schemes, women tend to have a longer term mindset. Their ability to stay calm, especially during market fluctuations, leads to better returns over time.

Disciplined and Goal-Based: Women prioritize consistent savings and goal-based investing. This disciplined approach helps them build wealth steadily. Women naturally excel at budgeting, planning, and structuring investments to align with future goals, whether it’s children’s education, home buying, or retirement security. Their emotional connection with goals is what makes them stick to discipline.

Risk-Aware, Not Risk-Averse: Contrary to the stereotype, women are not afraid of risks—they are just more calculated about them, through appropriate asset allocation. Eventually, this approach ensures maximum returns with minimal risks.

Trust and Willingness to Learn: Women value education and expertise, making them more likely to seek guidance from a well-qualified financial advisor. Unlike men, who often overestimate their investing abilities, women approach financial decisions with a willingness to learn. Once they find a trusted expert, they follow sound advice instead of making emotional, short-term moves.

Women Leading the Financial World

These qualities are why many of the world’s leading financial institutions are now led by women. In India and abroad, we see prominent banks, asset management companies, and investment firms thriving under female leadership. Their ability to combine strategic thinking with emotional intelligence makes them exceptional at managing money—both at a personal and professional level.

Final Thoughts

With their trust in expert advice and a strong focus on financial education, more women should embrace their strengths and take control of their financial futures!