New Delhi: The Irish captain Lorcan Tucker He has been left optimistic about 15-year-old Indian batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the upcoming T20I series, calling his rise as “the most amazing” in the current era.“It’s amazing for them to have a 15-year-old on their team,” Tucker said at Thursday’s pregame press conference.“I never thought that this would be possible in the professional era of the game, especially with the amount of work that goes into professional cricket and the way the players do it. So, credit to him – he is a very special player,” he said.Tucker also expressed great joy at the child’s growth, especially among the Irish Indian community.“We have a big group of Indians in Ireland who I know will be very ready to watch the game, and they will see Vaibhav. This is what many are worried about here, about him making his debut in this team,” he added.Reflecting on Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise, Tucker added: “Obviously he’s an amazing talent. We’ve tried to do as much research as we can on him. I think he’s blown the IPL, hitting an incredible 75 sixes or whatever it was, as the top talent that’s out there is amazing.”He also emphasized the impact of the youth on the game.“It gives the game something to talk about. It’s very interesting. Power like this coming to the series is amazing not only for us, but for the people who come to watch, for the people who are watching at home, and for the children who are playing in the corner,” he said.Tucker also acknowledged Sooryavanshi’s status as a world-class rider in the sport.“As much as we try to be role models for Irish players, I think it’s the responsibility, I think, of players around the world to be role models. So I know Vaibhav is a small boy, but he is still a very good player, and he is a great role model for the cricketers around the world now and the kids coming up,” he added.
Ireland prepares for “baptism of fire” against India
Turning to the series itself, Tucker admitted that his team will face a tough challenge against the reigning champions in the T20 World Cup, especially with a formidable attack.“I think it’s a baptism of fire, and it’s very difficult,” he said. “But I think I’ll just believe that at the end of the day, it’s a game of cricket… As amazing as the Indian players are, they also have a lot of pressure on them.”Ireland are forced to make changes, with Reuben Wilson, Matthew Hollard, and Jai Moondra joining the injured Mark Adair, Josh Little, and Barry McCarthy. Tucker helped Moondra to create an impression despite her ignorance.“He has shown real talent with the new ball… He has all the skills,” he said.Looking ahead, Tucker insisted that an early win would be vital if Ireland were to challenge a struggling Indian side.“We know it’s a scary team… they’re going to come all over the place. The line should be a little slower than what they’re used to. So, hopefully, that will make a difference,” he said.