India, June 6 -- Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar says he feels "blessed" when young cricketers see him as an inspiration, after 15-year-old IPL 2026 breakout star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi recently credited him for motivating his journey. The young lad scored 776 runs in 16 matches, winning both the Orange Cap and the Most Valuable Player award. "It makes me feel blessed that somebody who may never have seen me play would come and say that," he says. Gavaskar is equally impressed by the depth of talent in Indian cricket today. He credits the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for expanding opportunities across age groups and genders."They (BCCI) are organising more than 3,000 matches and never get anything wrong. It's incredible," he says, adding that regional-language commentary and cricket's financial viability have encouraged more youngsters to pursue the sport professionally. "Cricket has finally become a good career option. Earlier, a lot of cricketers would leave the sport for a safer career option." Away from the sport, Gavaskar supports the Gift of Life initiative, which has funded 850 free heart surgeries for underprivileged children. Describing it as his "third innings," he says the joy it brings is greater than "scoring a double century."...