The "Sehwag Effect": Why Kris Srikkanth is Urging India to Fast-Track Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

In the world of Indian cricket, we are no strangers to "teenage sensations." From Sachin Tendulkar’s debut at 16 to the rapid rise of Prithvi Shaw, the factory of prodigies never seems to close. Magicwin But the buzz surrounding 14-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi feels different. It isn’t just about the runs; it’s about the way those runs are being scored.

Former India captain and legendary opener Kris Srikkanth has seen enough. On his YouTube channel, Srikkanth didn't just praise the youngster—he demanded a seat for him at the highest table.

"The impact he creates is like how Sehwag used to do. This boy has got tremendous potential. He should be fast-tracked and brought into the Indian team soon." — Kris Srikkanth

The Stats That Back the Hype

If you think Srikkanth is being hyperbolic, look at the scoreboard from the 2026 U-19 World Cup Final. Against England, under the most intense pressure a teenager can face, Sooryavanshi didn't just play—he dominated.

• 175 runs off 80 balls: The highest individual score in a U-19 World Cup final.

• 30 Sixes in the tournament: Breaking the all-time record held by Dewald Brevis.

• Strike Rate of 218.75: Numbers that look more like a video game than a high-stakes cricket match.

Why the Sehwag Comparison?

Virender Sehwag’s genius wasn't just his hand-eye coordination; it was his ability to psychologically dismantle a bowling attack within the first five overs. Srikkanth sees that same "fearless DNA" in Vaibhav.

Whether it was hitting a six off his very first ball on his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals or smashing a 35-ball century (the fastest by an Indian in the IPL), Sooryavanshi plays with a level of clarity that usually takes a decade to develop. He doesn't "see off" the new ball; he attacks it.

"Don't Make Him Wait"

The traditionalists often argue for "letting a player mature" in domestic cricket. Srikkanth, however, points to history as his witness. He cited the example of Sachin Tendulkar, who was thrown into the fire against Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis at age 16.

Srikkanth’s logic is simple: when a player’s maturity and shot-making are already "at another level," keeping them in age-group cricket can actually stunt their growth. He believes Vaibhav is ready to be at least in the reserves for the senior white-ball teams, learning from the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

The Road Ahead

Born in 2011, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the first IPL player born after the league’s inception. He is a child of the T20 era, but his appetite for big hundreds suggests he has the temperament for the long haul.

As the BCCI looks toward the future of the T20 and ODI squads, the noise from experts like Srikkanth is becoming harder to ignore. If he truly is the "next Sehwag," the Indian team might just have found the most explosive opening prospect in a generation.

What do you think? Is 14 too young for the national side, or is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a "once-in-a-lifetime" talent that needs to be fast-tracked? Let us know in the comments!