Vaibhav is unreal talent: Ferguson
New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson is looking forward to the challenge of bowling to 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the upcoming T20I series, saying it is “no surprise” the teenager has been pushed into the Indian squad.
Sooryavanshi has been named in India’s squad for the five-match series against New Zealand, beginning October 22. “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 told reporters on Sunday.
“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.” New Zealand host India for a multi-format series featuring two Tests, five T20Is and as many ODIs. “India’s unreal side, we know that. But hosting them in New Zealand is going to be real awesome,” he said.
The 35-year-old has been part of the IPL for close to a decade, representing five teams, including former champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans, and said his experience of playing alongside and against Indian players has helped him understand their approach to the game.
“It’s been awesome to play against them (Indian players) and with them at the IPL. So learning how they prepare for games and how they go about playing cricket in India, which can be challenging for good or bad. I’ve got lots of great mates.”
“I know Arshdeep’s looking forward to bowling in New Zealand where the ball swings and bounces a bit extra.” Ferguson is also set to return to New Zealand’s ODI set-up after three years, having been named in the squad for the fourth and fifth matches against India. His last appearance in the format was the 2023 World Cup semifinal against India in Mumbai.
“Yeah, of course. It’s something we’ve been working towards. I suppose with One-Day Cricket World Cup around the corner, we were playing a lot more One-Day cricket.
“T20 was the focus until the World Cup earlier this year, so that’s certainly nice to be building up an exciting group for the series. “We’ve got the T20 series beforehand, but I’ve been working real hard the last few months to get the body in a good shape to show my skills again for the one day team.”
On the evolution of bowling in T20 cricket, Ferguson said the format had influenced the game across formats, forcing bowlers to keep developing their skills.
“It has evolved a lot. The T20 games pushed all of cricket forward, even through Test cricket now, with the speed that batters bat. But it actually makes it more exciting. But you have to develop your skills. I love learning. I love trying to develop.
“Love talking to the younger bowlers, see how they go about it and also try to learn off, you know, the older bowlers and guys who have done it for a long time when I travel the world. So keep trying to push my game forward. It’s all you can do. And take opportunities when they come your way.”
