Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s consistent performances at the age-group level have increased calls to fast-track him into the senior men’s team. For any other player, such conversations at the age of 14 would
have seemed ridiculous, especially given how fierce the competition is in the country.
But Sooryavanshi has gone where not many senior players have. He has the second-fastest IPL century to his name, only trailing Chris Gayle, despite being barely three years old when the tournament began. Moreover, his 175 in the final against England in the Under-19 World Cup final was the highest-ever knock for any senior ICC tournament final — men or women — across age groups.
“The impact Vaibhav made and the momentum he gave was super,” former India selector Kris Srikkanth said after Sooryavanshi’s half-century in the semi-final against Afghanistan. “I have been telling to fast track this boy and this is what I like about him. Let’s wait for this IPL. I think he will be fast tracked. The bowlers are afraid where to bowl to him. The impact that one batter creates, like how Sehwag used to do, it makes it easier for batters on the other side,” he said on ‘Cheeky Cheeka’.
Sooryavanshi can’t be fast-tracked into the Indian team before IPL either. As per the ICC rules he’s not allowed to make his senior debut until he turns 15 — which will be on March 27. ICC brought this rule on in 2020 to protect the mental and physical well-being of young athletes.
In the early years of international cricket, there was no minimum age restriction for players to represent their countries. Pakistan’s Hasan Raza remains the youngest cricketer to feature at the international level, having played seven Tests and 16 ODIs between 1996 and 2005.
For India, the distinction belongs to legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar. He was only 16 years and 205 days old when he made his Test debut for the national team.
Can BCCI ask for an exception for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?
Yes, there’s a clause to ask for an exception for a player. So, in case the BCCI wants Sooryavanshi to play an India match before March, they can write to the ICC.
“In case of exceptional circumstances, a Member Board could apply to the ICC to allow a player under the age of 15 to play for them. This could include where the player’s playing experience and mental development and wellbeing demonstrates that they would be capable of coping with the demands of international cricket,” the ICC statement in 2020 had said.
