Former England pacer Stuart Broad has said he can’t wait to watch India’s 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in action in the upcoming T20I series in the UK, admitting he could be “surprised” if he sees the youngster in the opening match in Durham.Sooryavanshi, who recently stunned the cricket world with a record-breaking List-A fifty from just 11 balls against Sri Lanka A, has been included in the Indian senior squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England. The left-handed batsman has become one of the most talked about figures in world cricket.
‘He’s got it all’ — Broad surprised by rapid rise
Broad, speaking on the For the Love of Cricket podcast, was full of praise for the youngster’s explosive rise and fearless approach.“He’s got it all, hasn’t he? He’s got it all. He’s getting back into sledging now. Well, cricket is very easy. 11 balls. That’s crazy. I’m sure you might not be expecting it, but I’m doing the first T20 in Durham against India, what’s that, July 1, I hope to be? Honestly, I think I might be attracted to him,” said Broad.He also highlighted the discussions in the cricket circles which have also fueled the excitement surrounding the youngster.“And you know what? We don’t just buy into the hype. I mean you’ve seen him in person, you’ve kept him. I’ve spent a week with Dinesh Kartik, who’s one of the coaches, the assistant coach at RCB. And of course, I’m like, seriously, what do you think of this guy? He’s amazing. What a great kid this is,” he added while talking to a teammate. Jos Buttler.Broad noted that most of the UK had only seen glimpses and heard “whispers” of Sooryavanshi’s talent, raising expectations ahead of what he could do on English soil.“Obviously, on this side of England, people are only really hearing whispers and seeing big pictures. But to hear the guys who are watching him week in, week out, this kid is on another level,” he said.
Buttler returns to hype as England prepares for challenge
Former England captain Jos Buttler also acknowledged the incredible impact Sooryavanshi made at a young age.“Listen to this. Hit an 11-ball 50 in India A, the fastest half-century in the history of List A 50-over cricket. So he’s back,” Buttler said.“It’s something we’ve never seen before… he’s complaining about how many notes and things he keeps writing very quickly. So, yeah, we’ll have to keep him quiet as part of England in that T20S. But, he’s on a different level. Absolutely. And really cool,” he added.
