Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is an ‘unreal talent’: India Wonderkid praised by NZ pacer

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is relishing the prospect of bowling with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, describing the 15-year-old as an “unbelievable talent” ahead of India’s five-match T20I series. Having faced the teenager in the IPL, Ferguson believes his rapid rise to the senior international set-up was well-deserved.

India will begin their T20I series against New Zealand on October 22, with Sooryavanshi expected to face a new challenge in unfamiliar conditions. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ferguson praised the youngster’s IPL performances and said he was looking forward to being tested against him.

“I played with him in the IPL. He’s a real talent. He’s an unbelievable talent. It’s no surprise that he’s been pushed into the Indian team. I think he’s done back-to-back IPL series and he’s been exceptional,” Ferguson said.

“So yeah, I’m looking forward to the challenge that comes with New Zealand. I imagine it’s obviously his first time here. I’m not sure if he’s played cricket here before. But yeah, it’s going to be an amazing series.”

FERGUSON ENDORSES SOORYAVANSHI ENTRY

Sooryavanshi has already impressed at the senior international level despite his age when he made his T20I debut against England in July. He has scored 246 runs in eight T20Is, including two half-centuries, with his highest score being 81 against Zimbabwe.

The teenager made history during this Zimbabwean series, becoming the youngest batsman to score a half-century in men’s T20Is with a 19-ball fifty. He also scored 81 off 49 balls in the third match as India completed the series 3–0. However, opportunities have not been consistent, with Sooryavanshi missing out on selection for India’s playing XI in the opening T20I against West Indies earlier this month.

His selection to tour New Zealand offers another opportunity to build on his early international promise, although the conditions could present a different examination to those he encountered in India and the IPL.

NEW ZEALAND CONDITIONAL FRESH TEST

Having represented five IPL franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans, Ferguson brings considerable experience of playing alongside and against Indian cricketers. He believes that adapting to different conditions remains a key part of the game, especially as T20 batting continues to influence other formats.

“Unbelievable India side, we know that. But hosting them in New Zealand will be really amazing,” Ferguson said.

The tour will feature five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests. For Sooryavanshi, the immediate challenge will be to translate his explosive batting to New Zealand conditions, while Ferguson will be among the bowlers hoping to test the teenager’s pace and bounce.

For a player who made history as early as 15 years old, the series offers another chance to show that his promise can translate into consistent performances at the highest level.

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