Sachin Tendulkar is ‘God of Cricket’, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will be ‘Demigod of Cricket’: BCCI selector orders India call-up

Former Team India captain Kris Srikkanth showered praise on 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the IPL 2026 season. The former cricketer called the Rajasthan Royals opener the next “demigod” of cricket, comparing his early rise to Sachin Tendulkar’s international debut in 1989.

Sooryavanshi is at fifth place among leading run getters, scoring 246 runs in six matches at an average of 41.00 and a remarkable strike rate of 236.53. The opener will be next seen in action against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday, April 22.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Is Simply Outstanding and Brilliant - Kris Srikkanth

Speaking on The Week’s podcast, Kris Srikkanth delivered a blunt assessment of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The former chief selector stated that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee must abandon their gradual development approach and fast-track the teenager immediately.

“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 told The Week.

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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Should Be Fast-Tracked - Kris Srikkanth

Kris Srikkanth further stated that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi showed a fearless approach against top international fast bowlers. Srikkanth pointed out that Sooryavanshi confidently attacked Jasprit Bumrah and Josh Hazlewood, proving his ability to win matches on his own.

“I think Sooryavanshi should be fast-tracked. No question of 'give him time, let him be consistent'. No chance. That guy can win matches for you just like that. Imagine, first ball, he hits Bumrah for a six… he's not bothered about who the bowler is. He's a prodigy,” Srikkanth added.

India will have a busy T20 schedule after the IPL, even as attention builds toward the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. The Men in Blue will begin the international season with a one-off Test and three ODIs against Afghanistan from June 6 to 20.

They will then play two T20Is in Ireland from June 26-28, followed by five T20Is against England from July 1 to 11, along with a three-match ODI series. India will play three T20Is from July 23-26 on a tour of Zimbabwe.

Later in the year, India will host West Indies for three ODIs before facing them in five T20Is from October 6 to 17. The season ends with home series against Sri Lanka, featuring three ODIs and three T20Is from December 13 to 27.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Could Become the Next 'Demigod' Of Cricket - Kris Srikkanth

Kris Srikkanth recalled his captaincy experience with Sachin Tendulkar during a Pakistan tour in 1989. The veteran compared the current Rajasthan Royals sensation to Tendulkar, predicting a similarly legendary career for the explosive 15-year-old batter.

“When I went as captain in 1989, there was a prodigy — a 16-year-old Sachin Tendulkar. Today, he's the God of Cricket. Similarly, this boy could well become the next 'demigod' of cricket,” Srikkanth stated.

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer also expressed admiration for the teenage talent, praising his smooth bat swing and composed temperament while acknowledging his bright future.

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

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