Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Calls Grow for Fast-Tracking Teenage Sensation into Indian Cricket Team

Calls are mounting for teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be fast-tracked into the senior Indian cricket setup, with former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth leading the charge. Srikkanth has publicly compared Sooryavanshi's rapid ascent to that of Sachin Tendulkar, emphasizing the need for selectors to back exceptional talent early.

Srikkanth highlighted Sooryavanshi's quick progression through age-group cricket and his growing impact in domestic competitions as indicators of his readiness for a higher level. He emphasized the youngster's composure at the crease, solid technique, and aggressive mindset. These qualities, according to Srikkanth, mirror those of Tendulkar, who debuted for India at just 16 years old.

Sooryavanshi recently made headlines by becoming the youngest player to score a List A century. During a Vijay Hazare Trophy match, he scored 190 runs off 84 balls. His innings included 15 sixes and a century scored in 36 deliveries. This performance has amplified the discussion around his potential and readiness for international cricket.

Srikkanth reiterated his support for Sooryavanshi, citing his consistent high scores across various formats and levels as evidence of his readiness for a greater challenge. He acknowledged the debate around the level of competition, particularly matches against weaker teams, but maintained that Sooryavanshi's consistent performances warrant serious consideration. Srikkanth initially suggested considering Sooryavanshi for the T20 World Cup but now suggests fast-tracking him into the team more broadly.

Sooryavanshi's youth ODI statistics further support the argument for his early inclusion. In 15 youth ODIs, he averages 51.13 with two centuries and three half-centuries, maintaining a strike rate of 158.79. These numbers highlight his ability to score quickly and consistently at the youth level.

Addressing concerns about giving Sooryavanshi more time to develop, Srikkanth argued that exceptional players deserve early opportunities. He referenced Tendulkar's early debut as a precedent, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and nurturing rare talent. He suggested that Sooryavanshi could follow a similar path in white-ball cricket, gaining experience and developing his skills at the highest level.

Editor’s note: This article was independently written by the Scoopliner Editorial Team using publicly available information.