Former international cricketer Kris Srikkanth has called for teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi to be included in India’s T20 squad for the upcoming series. Srikkanth’s comments have sparked a debate among fans and experts whether the youngster is ready to make the leap into international cricket.
With IPL 2026 ending on Sunday, May 31, the focus has turned to India’s upcoming international schedule. The Men in Blue are set to face Afghanistan in a one-off Test and three-match ODI series before traveling to Ireland for the T20 series. Many former cricketers have supported young players for opportunities.
He has to make a quick place in the Indian T20 team – Chris Srikkanth on Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Srikkanth said, “He has to be included in the Indian T20 team quickly. Chris Gayle is far behind him in all categories. There was no one even close to him for all the awards. Suryavanshi played his first full season this time only. And in one season, he took the awards.”
He said, “Virat Kohli spoke to him for a long time, which is a very good sign. He must have learned a lot of things from Kohli. Imagine how proud Suryavanshi’s parents will feel.”
Vaibhav Suryavanshi concludes IPL 2026 season with Orange Cap and MVP award
Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored 776 runs in 16 innings at an average of 48.50 and strike rate of 237.30. The left-handed opening batsman played a key role in taking Rajasthan Royals to the playoffs. He also finished the season with the Orange Cap and Player of the Tournament awards.
Suryavanshi finished as the leading run-scorer of the tournament, ahead of stars like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and Heinrich Klaasen. At the age of just 15 years and 65 days, he became the youngest player to win the Orange Cap, breaking the previous record held by Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudarshan.
BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia praised Kishor’s rapid progress and excellent performances throughout the season. He said the board will provide all necessary support to Suryavanshi to help him continue his development and fulfill his potential at the highest level.
He credited God’s will – Kris Srikkanth praised Rajat Patidar
Kris Srikkanth also praised Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Rajat Patidar for his leadership after the team’s IPL 2026 title win. The former India captain said that Patidar handled success with maturity.
Srikkanth said, “He (Patidar) became a repeat winner along with MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma even without playing a T20 match for India. And he humbly said that it is all written down, which is a good sign because he attributed it to God’s will. It also shows the greatness of the senior players of RCB, who support Patidar and do not belittle him.”
Patidar joins MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as one of the few captains to win two consecutive IPL titles. The RCB captain also led from the front with the bat and scored 501 runs in 15 matches at an average of 41.75 and a strike rate of 192.69 during the IPL 2026 season.
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