Birmingham – Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has backed 14-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi for a potential early call-up to the Indian senior team, following the prodigy's record-breaking performances at the U19 level. Shastri’s comments came during the ongoing India vs England Test at Edgbaston, where he joined the commentary panel.
Suryavanshi, hailing from Samastipur, Bihar, stunned the cricketing world with a blistering 143 off 78 balls in the fourth Youth ODI against England U19, propelling India to a dominant total of 363 for 9. His whirlwind knock included 13 fours and 10 sixes, and he reached his century in just 52 balls—the fastest century in Youth ODI history, eclipsing Pakistan’s Kamran Ghulam (53 balls, 2013).
Ravi Shastri’s Endorsement
Shastri, speaking during commentary, said:
“He will play First-Class cricket, but that’s what the IPL does. It gives you that platform where the whole country sees you. And you catch the imagination of everyone.”
He added that consistent performances in First-Class cricket would “fast-track” Suryavanshi’s path to the senior Indian team.
“If he goes and gets a couple of hundreds in his first few seasons, selectors won’t ignore that.”
Records and Rising Stardom
The left-handed batting prodigy has already drawn comparisons with some of the sport’s finest young talents and has become a household name among fans of Indian cricket.
National and State Recognition
Rakesh Tiwari, president of the Bihar Cricket Association, praised Suryavanshi’s achievements:
“Vaibhav has brought immense pride to Bihar and the nation. His discipline, focus, and mental strength at such a young age are truly remarkable. We are confident that this is just the beginning of a historic journey.”
