The Vaibhav Sooryavanshi phenomenon has crossed borders, with excitement around the 15-year-old prodigy reaching fever pitch in Ireland ahead of his possible India debut in the upcoming T20I series against Ireland.Sooryavanshi, who captured the imagination of cricket fans with his sensational exploits in the IPL, is in line to make his senior India debut during the two-match series that begins in Belfast on June 26. According to former India and Ireland cricketer MV Narasimha Rao, the buzz surrounding the teenager has already sparked a rush for tickets, with fans from across Europe eager to witness the moment in person.“I think they (local organisers) will have to put more seats because this stadium (Stormont ground) has only 7000 seats or something. Already, people from other parts of Europe like Paris etc want to come, hopefully, we can find a way to accommodate them,” Rao told PTI from Strabane, Ireland.The former all-rounder believes Sooryavanshi’s debut, if it happens, could become a landmark occasion for Irish cricket fans.“So, I think it will be history, a momentous day if he makes his debut in Ireland. It was unexpected, and in the last 10 days, it’s really a big excitement here,” he added.
‘He’s phenomenal’: Rao compares youngster’s style to Sobers
Rao, who played four Tests for India before later representing Ireland in the mid-1990s, feels the conditions in Belfast could suit the young left-hander.“He’s phenomenal, great to watch and I’d watched him on the television during the IPL. He may enjoy batting as the wickets here are generally slow and Ireland doesn’t have the same kind of fast bowlers, you know, with pace,” he said.However, Rao expects sterner examinations to come when India travel to England.“But once he goes to England, it’ll be a big test for him because the ball moves there and weather too changes even in the short duration of a T20. But I wish him a good series,” he cautioned.The veteran coach also drew comparisons between Sooryavanshi’s batting style and legendary West Indies great Gary Sobers.“He reminds me — from a few of the matches I watched of Gary Sobers — the high backswing and the bat, straight it comes, and he picks up the ball very quickly. He’s so versatile and can play every shot in the game at this young age,” he added.Despite the growing hype, Rao urged the teenager to remain grounded.“He has God-given talent. But my word is that — like Sachin Tendulkar — he should keep his head down and feet on the ground. It’ll be a big test for him because he is a superstar now,” he said.
