Ghent gladiators

Indian Premier League: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes the fearless approach shown by the younger generation is ushering in an exciting phase for Indian cricket, highlighting how teenage talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are taking on top international bowlers without hesitation during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

Pathan’s remarks come amid the emergence of young players making an immediate impact at the highest level, reflecting a shift in mindset in which opponents' age and reputation no longer serve as barriers.

“It's an exciting time for Indian cricket. The way they play fearless cricket, and you know, they don't worry about anything. They don't worry about getting out. They don't worry about, you know, who's bowling in front of them. A 15-year-old boy (Sooryavanshi) goes and smacks one of Australia's best fast bowlers. So, there is no better side, you know, in cricket at the moment, especially from the Indian side,” Pathan told IANS on the sidelines of the EUT20 Belgium jersey launch event.