Vaibhav Sooryavanshi advised to wait as Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma ‘feel the heat’: ‘Has to earn his right to play’

Srikkanth urges patience with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi despite growing calls for debut

Teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may be knocking on the doors of the Indian senior team, but former India captain Kris Srikkanth believes the youngster should be allowed to develop at his own pace before making his international debut.

Speaking about India's T20I selection, Srikkanth said that while Sooryavanshi possesses exceptional talent, he should not be fast-tracked into the playing XI ahead of players who are already competing for limited spots in the batting order.

"He has to earn his right to play. There is no hurry," Srikkanth said, stressing that consistent domestic and franchise performances should remain the benchmark for national selection.

Competition for batting spots remains intense

India's batting lineup has become increasingly competitive, leaving little room for newcomers despite their promise. Srikkanth pointed out that even established batters such as Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma are under pressure to cement their places in the T20I setup.

According to the former opener, the intense competition should motivate Sooryavanshi rather than rush him into the national side before he is fully prepared for the demands of international cricket.

Sanju Samson has produced several impactful innings in T20 internationals but has also faced criticism over inconsistency, while Tilak Varma continues to compete for a regular middle-order role despite showing flashes of brilliance.

Sooryavanshi's rise has impressed selectors

The teenage left-hander has emerged as one of India's brightest young batting prospects following a series of eye-catching performances in age-group cricket and franchise competitions. His fearless stroke play and maturity against quality bowling have prompted calls from several former cricketers for an early India debut.

However, Srikkanth believes managing expectations is equally important.

He said young players benefit from spending more time in domestic cricket and high-pressure tournaments before being exposed to international competition, where scrutiny and expectations are significantly higher.

Long-term investment over short-term excitement

Srikkanth suggested that India should prioritize the youngster's long-term development rather than making an emotional selection based on recent performances.

He noted that the current Indian setup offers enough depth, allowing selectors to nurture emerging players without placing undue pressure on them at an early stage of their careers.

With India continuing to build its squad ahead of future ICC tournaments, Sooryavanshi remains firmly in the selectors' plans. Whether he receives an opportunity during the ongoing season or later, the teenager's rapid rise suggests his international debut may only be a matter of time.

For now, however, Srikkanth's message is clear: patience and consistency will ultimately determine when Vaibhav Sooryavanshi earns the India cap.Kris Srikkanth says Vaibhav Sooryavanshi must earn India debut