“India’s Next Sachin?” 14-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi Creates a Storm in Vijay Hazare Trophy; Calls Grow for Direct India Inclusion

Former Indian captain and legendary selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has made a strong recommendation to the BCCI, urging that teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi be fast-tracked into the Indian senior team. Srikkanth compared the 14-year-old prodigy to Sachin Tendulkar, highlighting his extraordinary talent, composure, and technique. According to Srikkanth, just as Sachin made his international debut at 16 and dominated world cricket, Vaibhav possesses the same rare combination of skill and temperament to thrive at the highest level.

Historic and Explosive Performance in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Vaibhav recently grabbed the cricketing world’s attention with a breathtaking performance in domestic cricket. In a Vijay Hazare Trophy match, he became the youngest century-maker in List A cricket history, scoring a scintillating 190 runs off just 84 balls, including 15 towering sixes. Remarkably, he reached his century in just 36 balls, leaving bowlers utterly stunned. Srikkanth emphasized that such performances demonstrate a player’s true calibre and must be immediately recognized by selectors.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth also addressed critics who argue that young players need more experience. He highlighted Vaibhav’s consistency, noting that the youngster is scoring runs across formats—from IPL to Under-19 cricket. Even against less prominent teams, Srikkanth pointed out, Vaibhav is dominating every game. While time may be short for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Srikkanth believes Vaibhav could be integrated into the squad and groomed rapidly, especially in white-ball cricket, similar to the opportunities Sachin received early in his career.

A Future Superstar
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s statistics underscore his prodigious talent. In 15 youth ODIs, he boasts an average of 51.13 with a strike rate of 158.79—exceptional for someone of his age. Srikkanth praises the youngster’s fearless approach and maturity, often surpassing even experienced players under pressure. With solid technique and calmness under pressure, Vaibhav is capable of playing big shots in crucial moments. Srikkanth urged selectors to prioritize current form and ability over age or experience, arguing that Vaibhav is ready for the big stage.