Former India captain and legendary pacer Kris Srikkanth has thrown his weight behind 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, calling him a potential “next demigod of cricket”. Drawing bold parallels to Sachin Tendulkar’s debut in 1989, Srikkanth passionately appealed to chief selector Ajit Agarkar to include the teenager in the senior national team immediately.
The confirmation comes as Sooryavanshi continues to eliminate professional bowling attacks in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, sparking a national debate on whether age should be a barrier to international honours.
Quickly direct him to the national side
Speaking on The Week podcast, Srikkanth didn’t mince words about the youngster’s readiness. He insisted that Sooryavanshi should not only be in the squad for the next series but should be part of the T20 World Cup plans.
“I am telling you today, speed him up. He should play the next series,” urged Srikkanth. “He should be in the T20 World Cup team, at 15. Let him understand and understand what international cricket is.
Srikkanth, who captained Tendulkar during his debut tour of Pakistan, sees a similar spark in the way Sooryavanshi handles world-class pace. “Imagine. First ball, Jasprit Bumrah, six. Josh Hazlewood, he’s hitting it. He’s not fazed at all. Similarly, this boy could be the next demigod of cricket.”
The record statistical run continues
The hype surrounding the 15-year-old is backed up by staggering numbers. Sooryavanshi is currently leading the Orange Cap, having amassed 246 runs in just six matches this season. His performance is marked by an extraordinary average of 41.00 and a strike rate of 236.53, a figure that leaves even seasoned veterans in awe.
This is not a flash-in-the-pan performance. Sooryavanshi has already scored his first IPL century since his debut season and was the architect of India’s U19 World Cup glory, smashing a mammoth 175 in the final against England.
With reports suggesting that the BCCI is considering him for the upcoming tour of Ireland, Sooryavanshi is on the cusp of becoming the youngest player ever to represent the Indian senior team. For Srikkanth, the decision is simple: “It’s not about giving him time or letting him be consistent. The guy can win you games like that, boss.”
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
22 Apr 2026 09:54 IST
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