Former India opener Kris Srikkanth has urged the BCCI to fast-track teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi into the national setup.
Former India opener Kris Srikkanth has strongly advocated for the fast-tracking of young batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi into the Indian national team, impressed by the teenager’s rapid rise and consistent performances.
The 14-year-old has drawn widespread attention since making his Indian Premier League debut for Rajasthan Royals earlier this year, showcasing fearless strokeplay against senior professionals.
Suryavanshi further enhanced his growing reputation with a breathtaking knock in domestic cricket, smashing 190 off just 84 balls against Arunachal Pradesh in a Vijay Hazare Trophy Plate league match in Ranchi on December 24.
The innings once again highlighted his ability to dominate attacks, prompting renewed debate over whether India should accelerate his pathway to the highest level.
“Vaibhav is scoring centuries everywhere, be it the IPL, U19, anywhere. You can say it is against Arunachal Pradesh but that is a different story. This boy has been hammering everybody across all kinds of matches. I had told last year also that they should fast-track him for the T20 World Cup. Maybe it is too late for that now, but they still fast-track him into the team. This boy has got tremendous potential. He should be fast-tracked and brought into the Indian team soon,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel Cheeky Cheeka.
The former India captain also drew comparisons with Sachin Tendulkar, who made his international debut at just 16, suggesting age should not be a barrier when talent is evident.
“People say let him play for some more time, let him do this, let him do that. Sachin also played a such a young age. Of course, he played for India after scoring hundreds at all levels, but the same thing can be done for this boy in white-ball cricket.”
Srikkanth wants Suryavanshi at least in national reserves
Srikkanth believes the youngster should be integrated into the national setup, even if initially as part of the reserve group, to ensure his development is closely monitored.
“Look at Suryavanshi’s records. He is at a completely different level. He should not be left behind. He has to be fast-tracked soon. I heard some news that Rahul Dravid said that he should be fast-tracked now. I told this during the last IPL itself. At least have him in the reserves and give him a chance where possible. I don’t want them to let go of this guy. In all fairness, he is an outstanding talent,” he said.
The former BCCI chief selector also imagined the impact Suryavanshi could have in India’s T20 setup alongside aggressive left-handed openers.
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“Just imagine Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Suryavanshi opening. What a devastating pair it can be. Think about it. Or Ishan Kishan and Suryavanshi, or Ishan and Abhishek. These left-handers are more devastating and take the match away from you literally in the first six overs. That’s how the team is. I feel the right-handers are like second fiddle,” Kris Srikkanth stated.
Suryavanshi is set to be back in action on Friday, December 26, when Bihar face Manipur at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.
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