In an astonishing move, former India opener and top selector Kris Srikkanth has suggested that 14-year-old phenom Vaibhav Suryavanshi be included in India’s squad for the 2025 Asia Cup. Srikkanth feels that when exceptional talent and form are available, age shouldn’t be an obstacle.
To finalise India’s team for the T20 Asia Cup, which will take place in the United Arab Emirates from September 9 to August 28, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee will meet in Mumbai on August 19. With players like Shreyas Iyer, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, and Riyan Parag in the running for India’s opening match on September 10, the selectors are currently faced with some difficult decisions. In the midst of this, Srikkanth’s request to expedite Vaibhav Suryavanshi promotion to the senior squad has given the selection story additional meaning.
In 2025, Vaibhav Suryavanshi made his IPL debut with the Rajasthan Royals.
With a century off 35 balls against the Gujarat Titans, the southpaw set a new record for the fastest century by an Indian in IPL history. He continued to play well during the India U-19 tour of England, scoring 355 runs in five games, including 143 in the fourth One-Day International.
“You must play with courage. Don’t hold him up. Sayings like “let him mature” are inappropriate. He is already playing with a level of maturity that is impressive. His ability to make shots has been exceptional. On his YouTube channel, Srikkanth stated, “If I were chairman, I would have him in the 15.”
Samson has his doubts: The Srikkanth
In addition, the previous selector foresaw India’s starting lineup. He stated that Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sai Sudharsan, and Shubman Gill should fill the remaining spots, even though he supported Abhishek Sharma as the first-choice opener.
In my opinion, Samson is dubious. Without a doubt, Abhishek Sharma is my first choice for the opening. I have two more openers planned. Sai Sudharsan or Vaibhav Suryavanshi are my choices, however Shubman Gill is also a possibility. He has been excellent. It ought to be Sai Sudharsan, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, in my opinion. Of these three, I would choose two. I would prefer that,” Srikkanth continued.
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