Relentless Icons, Fearless Kids

A fortnight into the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League, the craze for T20 cricket at home is at its peak. Truly a permanent fixture in the calendar since 2008, nothing has diminished interest in the IPL, despite the many changes introduced to expand the reach of this mass sport.

The other day, when 15-year-old ‘wunderkind’ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took on numero uno Jasprit Bumrah with aplomb in Guwahati, the rain-reduced contest between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians showed how a youngster handles pressure on the big stage.

Just last year, Sooryavanshi had already shown more than a glimpse of his talent, potential, and fearlessness on the big stage. The IPL is different in many ways. After all, a young teenager taking on 32-year-old Bumrah was a match-up that ensured adrenaline levels were high. Jeez, the way the 15-year-old boy from Bihar, who has grown manifold in stature over the last year, stood up to attack Bumrah was ferocious.

Watching the body language of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, it is clear he is fearless and will play his strokes. With no inhibition, ready to decode Bumrah’s variety and willing to play high-risk shots without compromising on technique, this boy is turning out to be a real treasure. For those who said last year that he needs to be wrapped in cotton wool, there is no fear. Having played for his state, Bihar, and also performed well in India’s triumph in the ICC Under-19 World Cup this year, Vaibhav—as his mates call him—has a future. For those who feared he might get burnt out, be assured that the Rajasthan Royals have handled him well.

There have been a few changes this season, notably with ownership shifts at the Rajasthan Royals as well as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Actual cricket in an IPL franchise is just one part; what happens behind the scenes in business terms is quite another. Certainly, for players belonging to these franchises after being bought at auction, there is no cause for worry. In fact, Rajasthan Royals have done even better this year, though why they chose Guwahati as a home away from home baffles a few.

It is well known that the IPL is both growing and evolving. The Rajasthan side did face a few issues with authorities in their home state, so embracing Guwahati—which is also the city from where BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia hails—has made it a popular destination. For those who have not travelled to the North Eastern states and casually remark on social media that it gets dark at 4:30 pm, how does that even matter? A floodlit match begins around 7:30 pm, so even after rain, an 11-over-a-side contest at the Baraspara Cricket Stadium featuring two top teams—MI and RR—was encouraging. It showed that despite the rains, there is a proper drainage system and good covers. Looking ahead, the same venue will also host one of the Test matches in the India versus Australia series in 2027.

There are some who are complaining that a historic Test venue like Kolkata has been ignored. Truth be told, cricket in India is growing, and the emergence of more international venues is a positive sign. One must not forget that even Riyan Parag, the Rajasthan Royals captain, hails from Assam. It must be acknowledged that today’s cricketers no longer come only from big cities. This is a positive development—cricket is now played across India, and mofussil towns are producing immense talent, such as Sameer Rizvi. He plays for the Delhi Capitals and is exciting to watch.

Why are these changes happening? For most people, the most visible form of club cricket is the IPL. Now, with several states boasting their own T20 leagues for both men and women, the explosion in cricket is massive. That the T20 format has become a mass sport is no exaggeration. It is also the reason why cricket will feature as a medal sport at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. State cricket leagues are equally attractive and professionally managed. Imagine Kerala, where athletics and football were once dominant—today it has a thriving T20 league.

Returning to the success story of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, several youngsters have made their mark in the 2026 IPL. Ayush Mhatre, the 18-year-old from Mumbai, has delivered for the Chennai Super Kings. Before one hears a sarcastic remark—CSK may not have peaked this season—but that does not diminish Mhatre’s contribution, now in his second year. As captain of the Indian Under-19 side that won the World Cup, he knows the importance of consistent performance.

If he continues in the same vein, there is no reason why he—or Sooryavanshi—will not soon represent the Indian senior team. Yes, the IPL is club cricket, but youngsters understand the importance of performing in domestic cricket across formats to be noticed. Vaibhav has already done so in the preceding first-class season for Bihar.

So, is the focus only on young Turks, or do the golden oldies still hold their ground? Two prime examples of seasoned stars who continue to stay fit and competitive are Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The criticism both former India captains have faced from the media and social media has been relentless. With only ODIs left as their international format, both Kohli and Rohit—representing RCB and MI respectively—know they must keep delivering.

Kohli’s fitness, belief in his skills, and passion remain incredible. He is to RCB what MS Dhoni is to CSK. Though he has stepped down as captain, Kohli remains the face of RCB. There was uncertainty before the IPL regarding whether RCB would play in Bengaluru and whether the change in ownership would affect the team. Clearly, boardroom developments have not impacted on-field performance. Whether the team’s name changes in the future remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Virat Kohli continues to embody the franchise and maintains peak fitness.

Competing in the IPL is not easy. Travel, night matches, long schedules, and recovery make it physically demanding. Yet Kohli’s ability to maintain fitness and set an example is admirable. In recent times, Kohli and his wife, Anushka Sharma, have embraced spirituality. In a cricket-obsessed country where media scrutiny is intense, finding inner calm and staying focused is no small task—and Kohli appears to have found that balance.

For those who claim Kohli is in the twilight of his career, try stopping him. He continues to bat with intensity and energy. The bigger picture is the ICC ODI World Cup in 2027 in South Africa. Having stepped away from T20 internationals, Kohli knows the 50-over format is where he has excelled, much like Sachin Tendulkar before him. For those who still say he is ageing, just watch him in the IPL.

If Kohli remains driven, Rohit Sharma—who turns 39 at the end of April—has shown renewed focus on fitness. By shedding weight, working on strength, and improving agility, the “Hitman” has impressed many. With a clear objective, he wants to play regularly for the Mumbai Indians, not just as an Impact Player. He has worked hard to stay relevant and is determined to prove himself repeatedly.

Like Kohli, Rohit is also eyeing the 2027 ODI World Cup. Keeping this in mind, the BCCI has scheduled several ODIs this year after the IPL. The idea is that, just as India’s T20 World Cup campaign required preparation, the ODI format now demands similar focus. From a fan’s perspective, watching Kohli and Rohit put in long hours in training, remain agile, and fight for their places is exemplary. These two are role models in the truest sense, and seeing them perform in both the IPL and ODIs is a delight.

As for the growing emphasis on youth in sports, one must not dismiss seasoned players as relics of the past. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma still have a great deal to offer to cricket at large.