‘Sachin played at a young age too’: BCCI told to go the Tendulkar way to fast-track Vaibhav Suryavanshi into Indian team
Introduction
Indian cricket has never shied away from backing prodigious talent early, and once again, the debate around fast-tracking a teenage sensation has taken center stage. Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has strongly advocated for Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s rapid promotion to the senior Indian team, drawing a striking parallel with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s early debut. With record-breaking performances and an explosive batting style, Suryavanshi’s rise has ignited discussions on whether the BCCI should take a bold call.
Srikkanth’s Strong Endorsement for Early Promotion
Srikkanth has thrown his weight firmly behind the young batting prodigy, urging selectors to recognize exceptional talent without unnecessary delays. He highlighted Suryavanshi’s consistent run-scoring across formats and age groups, stressing that such dominance demands immediate attention at the highest level. According to Srikkanth, waiting too long could mean missing the best phase of a once-in-a-generation player.
Record-Breaking Performances That Demand Attention
Vaibhav Suryavanshi recently etched his name into the record books by becoming the youngest batter to score a List A century. His stunning knock of 190 off just 84 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy left the cricketing world in awe. Reaching his hundred in only 36 balls and smashing 15 sixes, he showcased fearless intent, clean power, and maturity far beyond his years, underlining why he is seen as a future star.
Dominance Across Formats and Levels
Impressed by his consistency, Srikkanth pointed out that Suryavanshi has been scoring centuries “everywhere” – be it IPL opportunities, Under-19 cricket, or domestic competitions. In 15 youth ODIs, Suryavanshi averages an impressive 51.13, with two centuries and three half-centuries, coupled with a remarkable strike rate of 158.79. These numbers reflect not just talent, but adaptability and hunger to succeed at higher levels.
The Sachin Tendulkar Parallel
Drawing a clear comparison with Tendulkar, Srikkanth dismissed arguments calling for patience. He reminded critics that Sachin also made his international debut at a very young age after proving himself across levels. According to him, the same approach can and should be applied to Suryavanshi, especially in white-ball cricket, where fearless batting and quick adaptation are invaluable assets.
Selectors’ Dilemma: Patience vs Potential
While some believe that more domestic exposure is necessary, Srikkanth firmly believes exceptional talent deserves early backing. He even revealed that he had previously suggested fast-tracking Suryavanshi for the T20 World Cup, emphasizing that although that window may have passed, the opportunity to integrate him into the Indian setup still remains wide open.
Conclusion
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s meteoric rise, marked by composure, explosive stroke play, and record-breaking feats, has made him one of the most exciting prospects in Indian cricket. With voices like Srikkanth’s calling for decisive action and history offering the example of Sachin Tendulkar, the ball is now firmly in the BCCI’s court. Whether the selectors choose patience or bold progression, one thing is clear – Indian cricket may be witnessing the early chapters of another extraordinary journey.
