Krishnamachari Srikkanth: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Could Revive Test Cricket

Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could spark a “revival of Test cricket” if he fulfils his immense potential in the longest format, according to former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth, who urged fans and experts not to burden the youngster with excessive scrutiny.

Fresh from a breakthrough Indian Premier League campaign, the 15-year-old has earned his maiden call-up to India's T20I squad for the upcoming tour of Ireland and England. But Srikkanth believes Sooryavanshi's impact could ultimately extend far beyond white-ball cricket.

“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,” Srikkanth told PTI.

“If he progresses beyond T20 cricket to one-day cricket, and then to Test cricket, and if he clicks in Test cricket, which he will, I am sure then you will see a revival of Test cricket,” he added.

‘People switch on the TV to watch Sooryavanshi’

The former India opener said the teenager possesses a rare aura capable of attracting audiences.

“You need that kind of cricketer today. People switch on the TV just to watch Sooryavanshi. I switch on the TV to watch Sooryavanshi. That is the aura he has created around himself. And he is something amazing,” he said.

Srikkanth, however, warned against judging the youngster based on his modest returns during the recent India A tour of Sri Lanka.

“In one series, you don't judge a person. Come on. That happens. Poor boy. It doesn't matter. You just give him time. Don't be in a hurry. Vaibhav, don't worry about what people talk about you, just play your natural game,” he added.

‘He is the future of Indian cricket’

Srikkanth said Sooryavanshi should be nurtured patiently and handed a long rope.

“He is a guy who can win matches single-handed. So, I believe that he should be given a very, very, very long rope. And I don't think you should mess up with him. Let's mould him beautifully. If you give him ample chances and if you mould him well, he will be simply outstanding for Indian cricket,” the former chief selector said.

Praising his shot-making ability and temperament, Srikkanth called the youngster “tremendous for India's future.”

‘Sachin is God, Vaibhav is the son of God’

Asked whether Sooryavanshi reminded him of Sachin Tendulkar, who made his debut under Srikkanth's captaincy, the former selection committee chairman avoided direct comparisons but came up with a memorable description.

“Let's not compare Sachin and Sooryavanshi. Sachin is God of cricket and this boy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, I believe, is the son of God. Let's put it that way. Just leave Sachin alone. Nobody can come near him,” he said.