Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is an 'unreal talent': India wonderkid praised by NZ pacer

Lockie Ferguson said he is looking forward to bowling to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in New Zealand. The series will test whether the 15-year-old can carry his early promise into unfamiliar conditions.Vaibhav Sooryavanshi set for another big test as India prepare for New Zealand challenge. (Photo: PTI)New Delhi,Oct 11, 2026 14:51 ISTNew Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is relishing the prospect of bowling to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, describing the 15-year-old as an “unreal talent” ahead of India’s five-match T20I series. Having faced the teenager in the IPL, Ferguson believes his rapid rise to the senior international setup has been well deserved.India will begin their T20I series against New Zealand on October 22, with Sooryavanshi expected to face a fresh challenge in unfamiliar conditions. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ferguson praised the youngster’s IPL performances and said he was looking forward to testing himself against him.“I played him in the IPL. He's proper talent. He's unreal talent. It's no surprise that he's been pushed into the Indian squad. I think he's done IPL back-to-back seasons and been exceptional,” Ferguson said.“So yeah, looking forward to a challenge that comes with New Zealand. Obviously it's his first time here, I imagine. I'm not sure if he's played cricket here before. But yeah, it's going to be an awesome series.” FERGUSON BACKS SOORYAVANSHI’S RISESooryavanshi has already made an impact at senior international level despite his age, having made his T20I debut against England in July. He has scored 246 runs in eight T20Is, including two half-centuries, with his highest score being 81 against Zimbabwe.The teenager made history during that Zimbabwe series, becoming the youngest batter to score a half-century in men's T20Is with a 19-ball fifty. He also scored 81 off 49 balls in the third match as India completed a 3-0 series sweep. However, opportunities have not been consistent, with Sooryavanshi missing out on selection for India's playing XI in the opening T20I against West Indies earlier this month. His selection for the New Zealand tour offers another opportunity to build on his early international promise, although conditions could present a different examination from the ones he has encountered in India and the IPL.NEW ZEALAND CONDITIONS A FRESH TESTFerguson, who has represented five IPL franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans, brings considerable experience of playing alongside and against Indian cricketers. He believes adapting to different conditions remains a key part of the game, particularly as T20 batting continues to influence other formats.“India's unreal side, we know that. But hosting them in New Zealand is going to be real awesome,” Ferguson said.The tour will feature five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests. For Sooryavanshi, the immediate challenge will be to translate his explosive batting into New Zealand conditions, while Ferguson will be among the bowlers hoping to test the teenager against pace and bounce.For a player who has already made history at 15, the series offers another chance to show that his promise can translate into consistent performances at the highest level.- Ends