India, May 28 -- At just 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is no longer merely the IPL's breakout star or Rajasthan Royals' latest sensation. The age sparked curiosity last year. The historic 35-ball century proved he was far from another gimmick. But IPL 2026 has now turned him into a serious India contender, perhaps even an unavoidable one. And after what unfolded against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator on Wednesday, the BCCI can no longer afford to treat him like a long-term project.

Not after 680 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate touching 243. Not after a record-shattering 65 sixes in a single season. And certainly not after the way he has dismantled bowling attacks featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Bhuvneshwar...