‘Next Demigod of Cricket’: Srikkanth Demands Immediate Call-Up for 15-Year-Old IPL Prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

NEW DELHI – The breakout performance of 15-year-old Rajasthan Royals batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has dominated IPL 2026 discussions, prompting former India captain Kris Srikkanth to demand the teenager’s immediate inclusion in the national squad.

Srikkanth Appeals to BCCI Selectors

Srikkanth delivered a direct message to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief selector Ajit Agarkar, advocating for an aggressive selection approach. The 1983 World Cup winner rejected the traditional pathway of long-term domestic grooming for the young left-hander.

“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,” Srikkanth said.

The former chief selector emphasized Sooryavanshi’s ability to clear the boundary against world-class pace. He highlighted specific instances where the teenager hit Jasprit Bumrah for six on his first delivery and aggressively attacked Josh Hazlewood. “No question of ‘give him time, let him be consistent’. No chance. That guy can win matches for you just like that,” Srikkanth added.

The Sachin Tendulkar Parallel

Srikkanth drew a direct comparison to his own experience captaining a teenage prodigy during India’s 1989 tour of Pakistan.

• Historical Context: Srikkanth captained the Indian test team when a 16-year-old Sachin Tendulkar made his international debut.
• The Projection: “Today, he is the God of Cricket. Similarly, this boy could well become the next demigod of cricket,” Srikkanth stated.

Rival Captains Acknowledge the Threat

The sentiment extends beyond former players. Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer praised the 15-year-old’s mechanics following their recent matchup.

“He is a spectacular talent. The way he has that bat flow, the rhythm and momentum… I think he is one for the future,” Iyer noted.

IPL 2026 Performance Metrics

Sooryavanshi’s promotion to the top of the Rajasthan Royals order has yielded significant statistical output. His aggressive powerplay batting has generated one of the highest strike rates in the current tournament.

Sooryavanshi will look to continue his scoring streak when the Rajasthan Royals host the Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday. For complete tournament statistics and live scoring, visit ESPNcricinfo.