Krishnamachari Srikanth: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can revive Test Cricket if he replicates IPL success in the longest-format of the game

After showcasing this amazing batting prowess, and impressing one and all during the IPL 2026, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has deservedly earned his maiden call up to the Indian T20 squad. He has been picked in the team that will travel to Ireland and England where they will play a total of seven T20 matches, two against Ireland and five against England, starting from June 26 in Belfast. 

The 1983 world cup winner, Kris Srikkanth, said, the 15-year-old possesses a rare ability to attract an audience and he should be allowed to develop naturally without being burdened with expectations. Speaking to the PTI from his residence in Chennai on Thursday, he said, “What I like about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is he has an appetite to score runs and an appetite to dominate. At the same time, he could stay there and play also.”

“If he progresses beyond the 20-over format to ODI cricket, and eventually to Test cricket, and if he clicks in the longer format, which he will, I am sure then you will see a revival of Test cricket. You need that kind of a player today. People switch on the television just to watch him bat. I switch on the TV to see Sooryavanshi play. That is the aura he has created around himself. And he is something amazing.” he further added. 

Play your natural game, don’t worry about what people say: Srikkanth’s advice to Sooryavanshi

After Vaibhav Sooryavanshi returned from Sri Lanka where he was part of the India A team, Srikkanth cautioned everyone to stop too much scrutiny, advice and assessment of his performance. The former chairman of the selection committee said, to the youngster, “Vaibhav, don’t worry about what people talk about you, just play your natural game.”

He further quipped, “In one series, you don’t judge a person. Come on. That happens. Poor boy. It does not matter. You just give him time. Don’t be in a hurry. In the IPL, he was just amazing. In his second year in the IPL, he won all the awards beating all the top crickets in the world.”

“I think he is amazing. He has an amazing shot making ability, an amazing eye, and amazing reflexes. I think that boy is tremendous for India’s future. “

Vaibhav is the future of Indian cricket, let us mould him beautifully

Srikkanth said, Vaibhav must be nurtured carefully and people must avoid burdening with expectations. “That boy needs time. You must encourage him a lot. He is the guy who can win matches single handedly and I believe he should be given a very, very, very, long rope.”

“I don’t think you should mess up with him. Let us mould him beautifully and give him ample chances. He will be simply outstanding for Indian cricket.” The former Indian opening batter, also welcomed Sooryavanshi’s exposure to the senior team set-up. 

For the England tour, let him be in the reserves. Let him understand this is International cricket. I believe that he should remain with the team, even if he doesn’t find a place in the playing XI because Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are playing and they are certainties. 

Srikkant also said, let us not compare Sooryavanshi and Sachin. The latter is the God of Cricket and this boy, Vaibhav, I believe is the son of God. Let us put it that way. Just leave Sachin alone. Nobody can be near him.”