When a legend like Krishnamachari Srikkanth speaks, the cricket world listens. And his latest statement has sent shockwaves through Indian cricket circles: **“Fast-track him now.”** The “him” in question? Fourteen-year-old batting sensation **Vaibhav Sooryavanshi**—a name that’s rapidly shifting from youth leagues to national headlines .
In a passionate endorsement, the former India opener and 1983 World Cup hero didn’t just praise Sooryavanshi’s talent—he placed him in the same conversation as **Sachin Tendulkar** at a similar age. Citing the teen’s technique, temperament, and sheer dominance across formats, Srikkanth is urging selectors to shatter convention and give this once-in-a-generation prodigy a shot at the highest level far sooner than anyone expected .
Table of Contents
- Srikkanth’s Bold Endorsement: Why He Sees Tendulkar in Sooryavanshi
- The Rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: A Resume That Defies Age
- Sachin at 14 vs. Sooryavanshi at 14: A Rare Comparison
- Should India Fast-Track Sooryavanshi? The Case For and Against
- What It Would Take for Sooryavanshi to Make His Senior Debut
- Conclusion: Patience or Boldness? India’s Crossroads Moment
- Sources
Srikkanth’s Bold Endorsement: Why He Sees Tendulkar in Sooryavanshi
Speaking on a recent sports panel, Srikkanth didn’t mince words. “We’ve seen many talented kids, but Vaibhav is different,” he said. “His balance, his shot selection, his ability to rotate strike and then explode—that’s not just skill, that’s cricketing intelligence beyond his years” .
What makes Srikkanth’s comparison so striking is his unique vantage point. As a former national selector and captain, he witnessed Sachin Tendulkar’s debut at **16 years and 205 days** in 1989—and famously backed his inclusion despite skepticism. Now, over three decades later, he sees a similar spark.
“Sachin walked into a dressing room full of giants and held his own,” Srikkanth added. “Vaibhav has that same fearlessness. If we wait too long, we risk dimming that fire. **Fast-track him now.**”
The Rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: A Resume That Defies Age
Sooryavanshi isn’t just riding hype—his record speaks louder than headlines. In the past 12 months alone, the Maharashtra-born prodigy has:
- Scored a **58-ball century** for India U19—the fastest youth ODI ton by an Indian batter.
- Smashed a **37-ball century** in a senior List A match, breaking state records.
- Secured an **IPL development contract** with Mumbai Indians at age 14, making him the youngest-ever signed player .
- Been honored with the **Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar** for excellence in sports .
More impressively, he’s done this while balancing school and playing against men twice his size. His cover drive is already being called “textbook,” and his ability to read length off the hand suggests elite hand-eye coordination—a trait Sachin himself possessed in abundance.
Sachin at 14 vs. Sooryavanshi at 14: A Rare Comparison
Let’s be clear: comparing any player to Sachin Tendulkar is high-stakes. But the parallels are uncanny:
| Metric | Sachin Tendulkar (Age 14) | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Age 14) |
|---|---|---|
| Notable Innings | 329* in Harris Shield (1988) | 237* in U16 inter-school tournament |
| National Recognition | Featured in newspapers; trained under Ramakant Achrekar | PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar winner; IPL contract |
| Senior Exposure | Practiced with Mumbai seniors | Training with MI senior squad; facing first-class bowlers |
While Sachin debuted at 16, modern cricket moves faster. With T20 leagues, data analytics, and specialized coaching, prodigies today mature quicker. That’s Srikkanth’s core argument: the system is ready—why wait?
Should India Fast-Track Sooryavanshi? The Case For and Against
The idea is thrilling—but not without risk.
Case For:
- Rare talent shouldn’t be confined by age brackets.
- Early exposure builds mental resilience (see: Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan).
- India needs long-term batting solutions; Sooryavanshi could be groomed for 2031 World Cup.
Case Against:
- Physical development: Can a 14-year-old handle international pace and workload?
- Burnout risk: Too much too soon could derail his career (see: past prodigies like Mushtaq Mohammad’s son).
- Logistics: BCCI rules require players to be 15+ for domestic senior cricket.
Still, Srikkanth’s call isn’t for an immediate Test debut—it’s for **accelerated integration**: India A tours, shadow squads, and high-performance camps.
What It Would Take for Sooryavanshi to Make His Senior Debut
Realistically, a senior debut before age 16 is unlikely due to BCCI regulations. But the pathway could look like this:
- 2025: Dominant U19 World Cup + continued IPL grooming.
- 2026: Debut in senior domestic cricket (Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare).
- 2027: India A call-up; possible T20I debut at 16–17.
[INTERNAL_LINK:youngest-players-team-india] If he replicates his current form, selectors may not have a choice.
Conclusion: Patience or Boldness? India’s Crossroads Moment
Krishnamachari Srikkanth’s call to fast-track **Vaibhav Sooryavanshi** isn’t just about one boy—it’s a challenge to India’s cricketing establishment: are we bold enough to back genius when we see it? Sachin Tendulkar changed the game because someone took a chance. Now, another name echoes through the nets. Whether Sooryavanshi becomes the next legend or a cautionary tale depends not just on his talent, but on how wisely India nurtures it.
Sources
[1] Times of India. “‘Fast-track him now’: Ex-India captain compares teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi to Sachin Tendulkar.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/fast-track-him-now-ex-india-captain-compares-teenage-sensation-vaibhav-suryavanshi-to-sachin-tendulkar/articleshow/126187617.cms
[2] Mumbai Indians. Official Announcement: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Joins MI Development Squad, December 2024.
[3] Ministry of Women and Child Development. PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 Recipients List. https://wcd.nic.in
[4] ESPNcricinfo. “Sachin Tendulkar’s early career milestones.”
[5] BCCI Playing Conditions for Domestic Cricket, 2025.