‘People turn on their TV to watch him’: Srikkanth says Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can revive Test cricket

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Image credit: ICC) Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could spark a “revival of Test cricket” if he fulfills his immense potential in the longest format, according to former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth, who has urged fans and pundits not to burden the youngster with too much scrutiny.Fresh from a breakthrough campaign in the Indian Premier League, the 15-year-old has earned his first call-up to India’s T20I squad for the upcoming tour of Ireland and England. But Srikkanth believes Sooryavanshi’s impact could eventually extend far beyond white-ball cricket. “What I like about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is that he has the appetite to score runs and the appetite to dominate. At the same time, he could stay there and play as well,” Srikkanth told PTI.“If he moves from T20 cricket to one-day cricket and then to Test cricket, and if he clicks into Test cricket, which he will, I’m sure you’ll see a resurgence in Test cricket,” he added.

“People switch on TV to watch Sooryavanshi”

The former Indian opener said the teenager has a rare aura capable of attracting audiences.“That’s the kind of cricketer you need today. People switch on the TV just to watch Sooryavanshi. I switch on the TV to watch Sooryavanshi. That’s the aura he has created around him. And he is something amazing,” he said.However, Srikkanth cautioned against judging the youngster based on his meager returns during India A’s recent tour of Sri Lanka.“You don’t judge a person in one series. Come on. It happens. Poor guy. It doesn’t matter. You just give him time. Take your time. Vaibhav, don’t care what people say about you, play your natural game,” he added.

“He is the future of Indian cricket”

Srikkanth said Sooryavanshi should be brought up patiently and given a long rope.“He’s a guy who can win matches single-handedly. So I believe he should be given a very, very, very long rope. And I don’t think you should mess with him. Let’s mold him beautifully. If you give him enough chances and if you mold him well, he’s just going to be excellent for Indian cricket,” said the former chief selector.Appreciating his shooting ability and temperament, Srikkanth called the youngster “tremendous for India’s future”.

“Sachin is God, Vaibhav is son of God”

When asked if Sooryavanshi reminded him of Sachin Tendulkar, who made his debut under Srikkanth’s captaincy, the former selectors avoided a direct comparison but came up with a memorable description.

In which format of cricket do you think Sooryavanshi will do best?

“Let’s not compare Sachin and Sooryavanshi. Sachin is the god of cricket and this boy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, I believe, is the son of God. Let’s put it this way. Leave Sachin alone. No one can come close to him,” he said.