Vaibhav Sooryavanshi phenom has crossed borders, with the 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 starting in Belfast on June 26. According to former Indian and Irish cricketer MV Narasimha Rao, the buzz surrounding the teenager has already sparked a rush for fans across Europe.“I think (local organisers) have to put in more seats because this stadium (Stormont ground) only has 7,000 seats or something. Already, people from other parts of Europe like Paris, etc. they want to come, I hope we can find a way to accommodate them,” Rao told PTI from Strabane, Ireland.The former all-rounder believes that Sooryavanshi’s debut, if it happens, could become a landmark occasion for Irish cricket fans.“So, I think it will be history, an important day if he makes his debut in Ireland. It was unexpected, and in the last 10 days, it is really a great excitement here,” he added.
‘He’s phenomenal’: Rao compares the 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’ve seen him on television during the IPL. He can enjoy batting because the wickets here are usually slow and Ireland doesn’t have the same kind of fast bowlers, you know, with pace,” he said.However, Rao expects sterner tests to come when India travel to England.“But once he goes to England, it will be a big test for him because the ball moves there and the weather changes even in the short duration of a T20. But I want a good series,” he warned.The veteran coach also drew comparisons between Sooryavanshi’s batting style and legendary West Indian great Gary Sobers.“He reminds me – from a few of the games I’ve seen of Gary Sobers – the high backswing and the bat, coming straight, and he takes 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 stay grounded.“He has the talent of God. But my word is that – like Sachin Tendulkar – he should keep his head and feet on the ground. It will be a big test for him because now he is a superstar,” he said.
