Kris Srikkanth Urges Fast-Tracking of Teenage Sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Former Indian cricketer and chief selector Kris Srikkanth has passionately advocated for the immediate fast-tracking of teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into the senior national team. This call comes in the wake of Sooryavanshi's breathtaking performances in the Under-19 World Cup 2026, where he has captured the imagination of the cricketing world.
Explosive Knock in the U19 World Cup Final
The 14-year-old Indian opener delivered a masterclass in aggressive batting during the U19 World Cup 2026 final against England in Harare. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi blazed his way to a spectacular 175 runs off just 80 deliveries, an innings that included a staggering 15 sixes and an equal number of fours. His explosive batting propelled India to a formidable total of 250 runs by the 25th over alone, setting the stage for a commanding victory.
This remarkable performance followed a crucial semifinal against Afghanistan, where Sooryavanshi smashed 68 runs off 33 balls to help India chase down a challenging target of 311 in just 41.1 overs. After a relatively quiet league and Super Six phase, the young left-hander returned to his devastating best when it mattered most.
Srikkanth's High Praise and Sehwag Comparison
In a detailed analysis on his YouTube channel, Kris Srikkanth expressed his admiration for the teenage sensation. "The impact Vaibhav made and the momentum he gave was super. I have been telling to fast track this boy and this is what I like about him," Srikkanth stated emphatically.
The former chief selector drew a compelling comparison between Sooryavanshi's influence and that of legendary Indian opener Virender Sehwag. "The bowlers are afraid where to bowl to him. The impact that one batter creates, like how Sehwag used to do, it makes it easier for batters on the other side," Srikkanth explained, highlighting the psychological advantage Sooryavanshi brings to the team.
Srikkanth further suggested that the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) could serve as the perfect platform for Sooryavanshi's rapid advancement. "Let's wait for this IPL. I think he will be fast tracked," he predicted, indicating that franchise cricket might accelerate his journey to the senior national side.
Record-Breaking Achievements
In his maiden appearance at the prestigious U19 World Cup, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has rewritten multiple tournament records:
- Became the highest six-hitter in U19 World Cup history, surpassing South Africa's Dewald Brevis
- The first batter to record more than 20 sixes in a single U19 World Cup edition
- In just seven innings this tournament, established himself as a dominant force
- In his 25th Youth ODI innings, overtook former India U19 captain Vijay Zol to become India's highest run-getter in age-group cricket with 1,412 runs
The young batter from Bihar has demonstrated not just explosive power but remarkable consistency at the youth level, making Srikkanth's call for fast-tracking particularly compelling to cricket enthusiasts and selectors alike.
