Former international cricketer Kris Srikkanth has called for teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be included in India's T20I squad for the upcoming series. Srikkanth's comments have sparked debate among fans and experts about whether the youngster is ready to make the jump to international cricket.
With IPL 2026 ending on Sunday, May 31, attention has shifted to India's upcoming international schedule. The Men in Blue are set to face Afghanistan in a one-off Test and a three-match ODI series before traveling to Ireland for a T20I series. Several former cricketers have backed young players for opportunities.
He Just Has To Be Fast-Tracked To The Indian T20I Side - Kris Srikkanth on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kris Srikkanth praised Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his impressive performances in IPL 2026. Srikkanth also said that the youngster would have benefited greatly from his interaction with Virat Kohli.
"He just has to be fast-tracked to the Indian T20I side. Chris Gayle is way behind him in all categories. There was nowhere even close to him for all the awards. Suryavanshi played his first full season this time only. And in one season, he swept away the awards," Srikkanth said.
"Virat Kohli spoke to him for a long time, which is a very good sign. He would have learned a lot of things from Kohli. Imagine how proud Suryavanshi's parents will feel," he added.
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Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Ends IPL 2026 Season With Orange Cap And MVP Award
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 776 runs in 16 innings at an average of 48.50 and a strike rate of 237.30. The left-handed opener played a key role in helping Rajasthan Royals reach the playoffs. He also finished the season with both the Orange Cap and Player of the Tournament awards.
Sooryavanshi finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer, ahead of stars such as Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Heinrich Klaasen. At just 15 years and 65 days old, he became the youngest player ever to win the Orange Cap, breaking the previous record held by Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia praised the teenager's rapid rise and outstanding performances throughout the season. He stated that the board would provide all necessary support to help Sooryavanshi continue his development and fulfill his potential at the highest level.
He Gave Credit To God's Will - Kris Srikkanth Praises Rajat Patidar
Kris Srikkanth also praised Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar for his leadership following the team's IPL 2026 title triumph. The former India captain said that Patidar handled success with maturity.
"He (Patidar) joins MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as repeat winners without even playing a T20I for India. And he humbly said it's all written, which is a nice sign as he gave credit to God's will. It also speaks to the greatness of the senior players in RCB, who support Patidar and do not make him look small," Srikkanth said.
Patidar joined MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as one of the few captains to win back-to-back IPL titles. The RCB skipper also led from the front with the bat, scoring 501 runs in 15 matches at an average of 41.75 and a strike rate of 192.69 during the IPL 2026 season.
