Former India opener Kris Srikkanth urged the BCCI selectors to fast-track Vaibhav Suryavanshi into the Indian team. The 14-year-old has been putting on some impressive performances ever since his debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Rajasthan Royals earlier this year.
On Wednesday, December 24, he smashed a belligerent 190 off just 84 balls against Arunachal Pradesh in a Vijay Hazare Trophy Plate league clash in Ranchi. Srikkanth said that he wanted Suryavanshi to be a part of the Indian squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, but after that ship has sailed, the former cricketer wants to see the teenager in the national team as soon as possible.
“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,” he said on his YouTube channel ‘Cheeky Cheeka’.
Srikkanth also drew parallels with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who played for India for the first time when he was just 16 years old.
“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.”
At least have him in the reserves and give him a chance where possible: Srikkanth
The former BCCI chief selector believes that Suryavanshi should at least be kept in the reserves of the national setup and given an opportunity when possible.
“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.
Srikkanth mentioned that Suryavanshi could form a lethal opening pair alongside the likes of Abhishek Sharma or Ishan Kishan.
“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 will return to action on Friday, December 26, as Bihar takes on Manipur at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.
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