Whether it’s your cup of tea or not, the Indian Premier League never fails to produce a story.

This year, that story is a 15-year-old Indian kid named Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Let’s start with the obvious. He looks like a generational talent in the T20 format.

That’s a big statement, and cricket has a habit of humbling people very quickly. But when you watch Sooryavanshi bat, there’s something that immediately grabs your attention.

The hand-eye coordination, the reaction speed, the confidence and freedom. Some players look comfortable at a level. Others look like they belong there. He already looks like he belongs. And his stats prove it, leading IPL run scorer and a shockingly impressive strike rate and average.

To be compared to any great of the game is impressive. To be compared to Sir Donald Bradman is about the biggest compliment anyone in cricket can receive. They are obviously completely different players from different eras, playing different formats, but comparisons often come from qualities rather than statistics.

In Sooryavanshi’s case, it’s that rare ability to process information and react faster than most players around him. Watching him hit Kagiso Rabada, bowling over 150 kmh, off a good length and back over his head was remarkable. It was one of those moments where you almost laugh because it shouldn’t be that easy. Then again, modern T20 cricket continues to challenge what we think is possible.

The IPL has always been a competition where careers can change quickly, and a number of Australians have once again used the tournament to strengthen their reputations.

Interestingly, only two Australians finished inside the top 20 run-scorers this season. Both happen to be West Australians.

Mitch Marsh continues to prove his value as one of the most damaging white-ball players in the world when fully fit. His ability to dominate attacks from ball one remains one of the great weapons in modern cricket.

The other name is Cooper Connolly. While his numbers may not grab headlines globally, they should as he was the 14th highest run-scorer with a very good average and a century next to his name. This IPL tournament could prove enormously important for his development.

Performing in the IPL is different from performing almost anywhere else in T20 world cricket. The pressure, scrutiny, crowds and quality of opposition create an environment unlike any other.

More importantly, you’re constantly surrounded by some of the best players and coaches in the world. That experience alone is invaluable.

For a young player like Connolly, learning how international stars prepare, train, think and compete can accelerate growth dramatically. Confidence is built through performance, but understanding your game at the highest level often comes through experiences like these.

I can see this tournament becoming a major stepping stone in his WA and international career moving forward.

There were no Australian bowlers inside the top 20 wicket-takers. However, two Australians remain centre stage heading into Sunday night’s final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans. Josh Hazlewood and Tim David.

Hazlewood has become an interesting talking point recently. Some have even suggested his celebrations in the IPL show more passion than when he plays for Australia.

Personally, I think that’s complete rubbish. Anyone who has represented their club, State or country understands that passion isn’t measured by how animated a celebration looks. Every athlete expresses emotion differently.

You don’t play international cricket for over a decade without passion. You don’t make the sacrifices, endure the injuries, spend months away from family and continuously perform at the highest level without caring deeply about what you’re doing.

What I see is a player who looks fit, healthy and genuinely enjoying his cricket again after a lengthy period dealing with injuries and interruptions.

The IPL can also bring out emotion in players. The atmosphere is unique. Every game feels significant, every crowd is loud and every moment is amplified.

As for the final itself, it promises to be another spectacular occasion. A crowd of 130,000 people creates a sporting atmosphere few venues in the world can match. The noise is relentless, the energy is electric and the pressure is immense.

Having played in major finals myself, there’s a feeling that comes with those occasions that’s difficult to explain. The anticipation, the nerves, the excitement, and the knowledge that everyone is watching. There aren’t many experiences in sport that compare.

My head probably says I should back the Australians playing for RCB. But my tip is Gujarat.