Former Indian cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth feels that 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi should not be held back with phrases like he needs to mature before joining the senior Indian team. Instead, Srikkanth wants the youngster to be considered for India’s Asia Cup squad.
The selection meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 19 in Mumbai and is expected to be a big one. Before that, Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors has been told to consider Suryavanshi in the team.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been in the limelight since his debut in IPL 2025 for Rajasthan Royals. As a left-handed batter, Suryavanshi became the fastest Indian to score a century in the tournament, reaching the milestone in 35 balls against Gujarat Titans.
Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel, You have to play boldly. Don’t make him wait. Don’t say let him mature. He is already playing with so much maturity. His shot-making has been on another level.
The 14-year-old continued his good form in the U19 ODI series against England, scoring 355 runs in five matches, including 143 in the fourth ODI.
Suryavanshi has also been picked for the upcoming U19 series against Australia. Srikkanth feels now is the right time to give the young player some international exposure.
Read Also:- Asia Cup 2025: BCCI May Not Hold Press Meet to Reveal Team India Squad
In a related discussion, Srikkanth spoke about Sanju Samson’s chances despite Samson scoring three T20I centuries last year, saying he is not a sure starter in the Asia Cup team.
Srikkanth elaborated, Samson is doubtful, according to me. My first-choice opener is Abhishek Sharma, no doubt. I will have two more openers. My picks would be Vaibhav Suryavanshi or Sai Sudharsan, or Shubman Gill. He has been outstanding. I think it should be Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Sai Sudharsan. I would take two out of these three. That would be my preference.Samson struggled in a five-match series against England earlier this year where he looked vulnerable to bouncers.
Vaibhav’s numbers are 265 runs in 8 T20s, average 33.12 and strike rate 207. Washington Sundar was the youngest player to play for India in T20Is, he debuted at 18 against Sri Lanka in December 2017. Srikkanth’s comments add to the ongoing debate on team selection and inclusion of young talent in international cricket. This debate is fueled by Suryavanshi’s impressive performances at such a young age and is generating buzz among cricket fans.
