Former India Captain and Former Chief Selector Kris Srikkanth has urged India’s selectors to fast-track 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into the national setup, stating in an interview with The Week that the youngster’s match-winning ability warrants immediate exposure at the highest level. His remarks come as the Rajasthan Royals batter’s rapid rise continues to intensify conversations around how quickly India should elevate exceptional young talent into the senior squad.
Srikkanth rejects cautious approach to selection
Laying out his position on how India should handle emerging talent, Srikkanth dismissed the idea of a gradual pathway, stating, “I think Sooryavanshi should be fast-tracked. No question of ‘give him time, let him be consistent’. No chance. That guy can win matches for you just like that. Imagine, first ball, he hits Bumrah for a six. Hazlewood gets hammered—he’s not bothered about who the bowler is. He’s a prodigy,” highlighting the youngster’s ability to take on top-tier bowlers without hesitation.
The assessment reflects Sooryavanshi’s approach in high-pressure situations, where he has shown little regard for reputation while facing some of the most established names in world cricket.
Performances reinforce case for rapid elevation
The teenager’s numbers in the ongoing IPL season underline that argument, with Sooryavanshi scoring 254 runs in seven matches for Rajasthan Royals while consistently delivering high-impact innings. His contributions include a 26-ball 78 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a 17-ball 52 versus Chennai Super Kings, and a 14-ball 39 against Mumbai Indians, showcasing a scoring pattern built on aggressive intent.
His ability to dominate elite bowling has also been evident in key moments, including taking on Jasprit Bumrah early in an innings and accelerating against Josh Hazlewood in a high-scoring over, reinforcing his reputation as a fearless hitter.
Squad exposure seen as next step
Expanding on how the transition should be handled, he said, “This guy, Sooryavanshi… imagine someone playing such shots. That boy is simply outstanding and brilliant. Ajit, I’m telling you, you need to fast-track him. The next series, he should be playing. I’ve been saying this from last year. He should have been fast-tracked, even into the T20 World Cup squad. He doesn’t need to be in the XI straightaway—first let him be in the 15, understand the environment and get a feel for international cricket,” outlining a pathway that prioritises early exposure within the squad environment.
The argument centres on integrating high-potential players into the system early, allowing them to adapt to international standards without the immediate pressure of delivering results in the playing XI.
Youth success signals long-term potential
Beyond franchise cricket, Sooryavanshi’s trajectory has been shaped by standout performances at the junior level, most notably an 80-ball 175 in the final against England at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup earlier this year. That innings not only highlighted his ability to perform on the biggest stage but also reinforced the consistency of his aggressive style across formats.
Tendulkar comparison elevates expectations
Drawing from his own experience in Indian cricket, Srikkanth placed the youngster in a rare category of talent, stating, “When I went as captain in 1989, there was a prodigy—a 16-year-old Sachin Tendulkar. Today, he’s the God of Cricket. Similarly, this boy could well become the next ‘demigod’ of cricket,” invoking a historical precedent to underline the scale of potential being discussed.
The comparison reflects the belief that certain players possess the ability to transition quickly to international cricket when given early opportunities.
Selection timeline begins to take shape
The broader conversation around Sooryavanshi’s inclusion is now being supported by developments within the selection framework. According to a report in PTI, the youngster has been named in a 35-member pool of probables for India’s upcoming T20 assignments, with a potential debut window opening after the IPL 2026 season, including a possible tour of Ireland in June.
