The wonder of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has crossed the line, with excitement surrounding the 15-year-old who hit the mark for Ireland ahead of his debut for India in the upcoming T20I series against Ireland.Sooryavanshi, who caught the attention of cricket fans with his spectacular performances in the IPL, is in line to travel to India for the two-match series starting in Belfast on June 26. According to former India and Ireland cricketer MV Narasimha Rao, the buzz around the youngster has already started, with fans flocking to Europe.“I think (local organizers) need to put in more seats because the stadium (Stormont ground) has 7000 seats or something. Already, people from other parts of Europe like Paris and others want to come, hopefully, we can find a way to accommodate them,” Rao told PTI from Strabane, Ireland.The veteran player believes that Sooryavanshi’s debut, if it happens, could be a defining moment for Irish cricket fans.“So, I think it will be a historic, very important day if he starts in Ireland. It was unexpected, and in the last 10 days, it’s very exciting here,” he added.
‘He’s amazing’: Rao compares son’s style to Sobers
Rao, who played four Tests for India before representing Ireland in the mid-1990s, feels conditions in Belfast would suit the young left-hander.“He’s amazing, good to watch and I watch him on television during the IPL. He can enjoy batting because the wickets here are usually slow and Ireland don’t have the same fast bowlers, you know, with pace,” he said.However, Rao hopes that a sterner test will come when India travel to England.“But when he goes to England, it will be a big test for him because the ball moves there and the weather changes even after a short period of T20. But I wish him a good game,” he warned.The veteran coach also compared Sooryavanshi’s batting style to West Indies legend Gary Sobers.“He reminds me – from the few matches I saw of Gary Sobers – a very high return with the bat, directly coming, and he takes the ball very quickly. He is very versatile and can play any shot in the game at this level,” he added.Despite the surge in power, Rao encouraged the youngster to stay grounded.“He has a God-given talent. But my word is – like Sachin Tendulkar — he should put his head down and his feet on the ground. It will be a big test for him because now he is high,” he said.
