Chennai, June 20:
Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could trigger a “revival of Test cricket” if he fulfils his potential in the longest format, said former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth, urging fans and experts to stop over-analysing the youngster’s performances.
Riding on his IPL exploits, Sooryavanshi has earned his maiden call-up in the Indian T20 set-up. The teenager has been picked for the seven-match tour of Ireland and England, comprising two games against Ireland and five against England, beginning in Belfast on June 26.
Srikkanth said the 15-year-old possesses a rare ability to attract audiences and should be allowed to develop naturally without being burdened by expectations.
“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 at his residence here on Thursday.
“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.
“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.”
Don’t worry about what people talk, just play your natural game
Srikkanth cautioned against “too much assessment, scrutiny and advice” after the youngster’s modest returns on the recent India A tour of Sri Lanka.
“Vaibhav, don’t worry about what people talk about you, just play your natural game,” the former selection committee chairman said.
“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. In the IPL, he was just amazing. In his second year in the IPL, he won all the awards beating all the top cricketers in the world.
“I think he is amazing. He has amazing shot making capability, an amazing eye, and amazing reflexes. I think that boy is tremendous for India’s future.”
He is the future of Indian cricket, let’s mould him beautifully
Srikkanth said Sooryavanshi should be nurtured carefully rather than burdened with expectations.
“That boy needs a lot of time. You give him lot of encouragement. He is a guy who can win matches single-handed. So, I believe that he should be given a very, very, very long rope,” the former India opener said.