CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Former India opening batter Krishnamachari Srikkanth has heaped praise on 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Impressed by Vaibhav’s fearless batting in the Duleep Trophy 2026, Srikkanth described him as a future big star of world cricket. He even said that his wife had started watching the Duleep Trophy to see Vaibhav bat.

‘If groomed properly, he will become a superstar’

Praising Vaibhav on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said the young batter should be encouraged and not discouraged. According to him, if Vaibhav is prepared and guided in the right way, he can become a superstar of world cricket. Srikkanth said Vaibhav’s biggest strength is his fearless approach. The former India opener was particularly impressed by his ability to attack bowlers in red-ball cricket.

57-year-old Duleep Trophy record broken

Vaibhav delivered a strong performance for East Zone against Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy semi-final. He scored 92 off 81 balls in the first innings and played an important knock of 40 in the second innings. East Zone won the match by four wickets to reach the final. During his 92-run innings, Vaibhav became the youngest player to score a half-century in Duleep Trophy history. He achieved the feat at the age of 15 years and 157 days, breaking a 57-year-old record.

‘Baby Boss’ shines from IPL to international cricket

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s performances in 2026 have been highly impressive. Playing for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026, he scored 776 runs in 16 matches. He was then selected for the Indian team and became India’s youngest player to make an international debut. Vaibhav also performed strongly in the T20 series against Zimbabwe. He scored 151 runs in three matches and won the Player of the Series award.

Srikkanth also has big hopes from Test cricket

Srikkanth believes Vaibhav is not a player who will remain limited to T20 cricket. He particularly praised his red-ball batting and aggressive approach against fast bowlers. Srikkanth believes Vaibhav has the ability to succeed in all three formats and, with the right guidance, can have a major long-term impact on world cricket. He even said the young batter could play a role in increasing the popularity of Test cricket again.

Vaibhav’s rapidly growing popularity can be gauged from Srikkanth’s remark that his wife, who usually does not take much interest in cricket, is now watching the Duleep Trophy because of Vaibhav. Having made his mark in domestic cricket, the IPL and international cricket at the age of 15, Vaibhav’s journey is being seen as only the beginning.

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