Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can revive Test cricket if he succeeds in the longer format: K Srikkanth
Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has the potential to revive interest in Test cricket if he successfully transitions from T20 to the longest format.
Fresh off a breakthrough IPL season The 15-year-old earned his maiden call-up to the Indian T20I squad for the upcoming tour of Ireland and England. India will play two matches against Ireland before taking on England in a five-match series starting in Belfast on June 26.
Srikkanth said that Sooryavanshi has a rare ability to attract audiences and should be allowed to develop naturally without being burdened by expectations or excessive scrutiny.
“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 on Test cricket, which he will, I’m sure you’ll see a resurgence in Test cricket.
“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.”
Srikkanth’s remarks come after Sooryavanshi’s modest returns in India A’s recent tour of Sri Lanka, where the youngster came under scrutiny after failing to replicate his IPL form.
However, the former India opener urged observers not to judge the teenager on the basis of a single series and advised Sooryavanshi to stay true to his natural game.
“Vaibhava, don’t worry about what people say about you, play your natural game,” Srikkanth said.
“You don’t judge a man in one series. Come on. It happens. Poor kid. It doesn’t matter. Just give him time. Take your time.
“He was simply amazing in the IPL. In his second year in the IPL, he won all the awards and beat all the best cricketers in the world.”
Calling Sooryavanshi one of India’s brightest prospects, Srikkanth said the teenager should be given time and patience to fulfill his immense potential.
“The kid needs a lot of time. You encourage him a lot. He’s a guy who can win matches with one hand. So I believe he should get 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 will be just excellent for Indian cricket.”
Srikkanth also welcomed Sooryavanshi’s inclusion in the senior T20I squad and said the youngster would benefit from being around the national team even if he doesn’t break into the playing XI right away.
“For the England series let him be in the reserves. Let him understand that this is international cricket. I believe he should stay with the team even if he doesn’t have a place in the eleven because Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are playing, that’s a certainty,” he said.
Asked if Sooryavanshi reminds him of Sachin Tendulkar, who made his international debut under Srikkanth, the former skipper rejected any comparison.
“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.”
Srikkanth also praised the youngster’s fearless shooting and temperament, describing him as a player capable of shaping India’s future across formats.
“I think he has a very stable mind. His shooting is amazing. His wrist speed, bat speed and bat swing are exceptional. I think the boy is tremendous for India’s future,” he said.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
June 19, 2026 1:12 PM IST