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Former India fast bowler S Sreesanth has made a bold statement praising teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi after a stern warning from Sanjay Manjrekar. Sreesanth claimed that when he was asked about thrashing world-class bowlers in IPL 2026, he would have easily dismissed Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
The 15-year-old missed his chance to create history on June 26 as he was not selected in India’s playing XI for the first T20I against Ireland. India went with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma on top, barring Vaibhav, and they lost the game by 34 runs in Belfast.
S Sreesanth compared Vaibhav Suryavanshi with Sachin Tendulkar
Recently, S Sreesanth has praised Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s fearless approach and credited his family for supporting his incredible rise at such a young age.
S Sreesanth said on ABP News, “If I was playing against him, I would have got him out. Obviously, if I can get Matthew Hayden out, why not Vaibhav Suryavanshi? Respect to Vaibhav and his family for producing such a fearless young talent.”
The two-time World Cup winner further said that Vaibhav’s confidence reminds him of the young Sachin Tendulkar. He believes that the teenager has the same fearless mentality and urged the team management and selectors to fast-track the boy from Bihar.
He also stressed that no player should receive special treatment and a place in the team should always be earned through performance. Sreesanth further said, “Vaibhav’s confidence at such a young age reminds me of Sachin Tendulkar.
Sachin started showing signs of greatness at the age of 15 and was ready for international cricket at a very young age. Vaibhav has shown such a fearless attitude. Vaibhav should be fast tracked. The same thing applies to young fast bowlers also. If a 16 or 17 year old fast bowler is performing well then he should get a place in the team.
Vaibhav has the talent to take forward the legacy of Virat-Dhoni-Tendulkar: Sreesanth
The former Indian fast bowler also predicted a big future for Vaibhav Suryavanshi, calling him a potential global ambassador for cricket. He believes that when cricket returns to the Olympics, this teenage talent can play a key role in India’s quest for an Olympic gold medal.
Sreesanth said, “I believe that Vaibhav Suryavanshi has the potential to become one of the biggest ambassadors of cricket. With cricket becoming a part of the Olympics, he will play a key role in helping India win an Olympic gold medal. If that happens, his success could inspire people from countries like China and Germany to follow the game, thanks to the BCCI and Vaibhav. Players like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have already made Indian cricket great. heights, and Vaibhav has the talent to carry that legacy forward.”
Look Sreesanth said on Vaibhav Vaibhav – ‘I just go out’
Former General Secretary of Indian Cricket Team @sreesanth36 in exclusive discussion with @chitraaum
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Ireland created history with first win over India
Meanwhile, Ireland created history by defeating India for the first time in any format with a thumping 34-run win in the opening T20I in Belfast. Captain Lorcan Tucker led from the front with a brilliant half-century as Ireland posted 182/9 before bowling out India for 148.
Before this match, India had won all eight matches against Ireland across all formats. And Shreyas Iyer joins Virat Kohli on the unwanted India list after T20I captaincy debut.
However, the hosts produced a brilliant all-round performance to register a resounding win and take a 1-0 lead in the two-match T20 series. Ireland will now look to keep the momentum going and win the series when the two teams meet in the second T20I on Sunday, June 28.