Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth has urged experts not to draw comparisons between Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar made his India debut when he was just 16 whereas Sooryavanshi has received his maiden India call-up at the age of 15 years.

Sooryavanshi had hogged the limelight for his consistent performances in IPL 2026 for Rajasthan Royals. The prodigy batter ended the IPL 2026 season with 776 runs in 16 matches at an average of 48.50 and a blistering strike rate of 237.30. 

He ended as the leading run-getter in the tournament and thus bagged the Orange Cap. Along with it, he was awarded the MVP of the tournament, Super Striker of the Season, Emerging Player of the season, and also bagged the award for the most sixes (72) in the season.

Srikkanth said while Sachin is the god of cricket, Sooryavanshi is the god’s son.

“Let’s not compare Sachin and Sooryavanshi,” Srikkanth told news agency PTI. “Sachin is God of cricket and this boy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, I believe is the son of God. Let’s put it that way. Just leave Sachin alone. Nobody can come near him.”

The 1983 World Cup winning player said we need to be patient with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi before catapulting him on the biggest stage.

“That boy needs a lot of time. You give him lot of encouragement. He is a guy who can win matches single-handed. So, I believe that he should be given a very, very, very long rope,” the former India captain said.

“And I don’t think you should mess up with him. Let’s mould him beautifully. And if you give him ample chances and if you mould him well, he will be simply outstanding for Indian cricket,” he added.

Srikkanth reckons India should keep Sooryavanshi on the bench for the upcoming UK tour.