Sooryavanshi mania prompts Ireland ticket rush ahead of possible debut India Cricket News:
The Vaibhav Sooryavanshi phenomenon has crossed borders, with excitement surrounding 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 India and Ireland cricketer MV Narasimha Rao, the buzz surrounding the teenager has already sparked a rush for air tickets among fans in Europe.“I think they (local organisers) should put more seats because this stadium (Stormont ground) only has 7000 seats or something. Already, people from other parts of Europe like Paris and others want to come, hopefully 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, will be 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 compared the youth’s style to Sobers
Rao, who played four Tests for India before representing Ireland in the mid-1990s, feels the conditions in Belfast could suit the young left-hander.“He’s amazing, he looks great and I watched him on television during the IPL. He might enjoy batting because the wickets here are usually slow and Ireland don’t have the same kind of fast bowlers, you know, with pace,” he said.However, Rao expects a tougher test 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 also changes even for the short duration of a T20.The veteran coach also drew comparisons between Sooryavanshi’s batting style and the legendary West Indies great Gary Sobers.“He reminds me – from some games I watched of Gary Sobers – the long backswing and the bat, coming straight, and he takes the ball very quickly. He is very 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 a God-given talent. But my word is that – like Sachin Tendulkar – he must lower his head and feet to the ground. It will be a big test for him because he is a superstar now,” he said.
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