India, March 31 -- Three days back, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi turned 15. That number suddenly carried far greater significance. It made the teen sensation eligible to feature in senior-level cricket for India, as per ICC player eligibility regulations-something experts and former legends had been urging the BCCI to act upon ever since his historic 35-ball century in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

The world had rarely seen a 14-year-old strike sixes with such disdain against seasoned professionals. Comparisons with Sachin Tendulkar were inevitable-the man who stunned world cricket when he debuted for India at just 16 in 1989.

But Vaibhav did not celebrate his birthday.

"There was supposed to be a cake cutting, but I went to sle...