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New Zealand National Cricket Team fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has praised India’s teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the upcoming multi-format series. Having faced the 15-year-old during the IPL, Lockie Ferguson believes that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has shown enough talent and consistency to deserve his place in the Indian squad.
Ferguson is also excited about the challenge of bowling to the teenage batting sensation on the New Zealand surface. Vaibhav could face a tough test against the New Zealand fast bowlers, who will look to use their home conditions to trouble India’s batting line-up. Earlier, Virender Sehwag saw a reflection of himself in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Lockie Ferguson excited to face Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as India prepare for New Zealand tour
Lockie Ferguson was highly impressed with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s performances across two IPL seasons. The New Zealand fast bowler believes that the teenager has proved his ability at a high level and is looking forward to watching him play in New Zealand for the first time.
Ferguson told reporters, as quoted by News18, "I played him in the IPL." He’s a proper talent. He’s an 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. 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.”
India is scheduled to tour New Zealand for three Tests, five ODIs, and five T20Is. Ferguson admitted that India has a very strong team and said hosting the Indian side would be an exciting challenge for the home team.
The Kiwi speedster added, “India’s unreal side, we know that. But hosting them in New Zealand is going to be real awesome.” Amid this, Ajinkya Rahane reveals IPL captains opposed 'Impact Player' rule.
Lockie Ferguson reveals his biggest IPL learning experience
The 35-year-old fast bowler has spent nearly a decade in the IPL, representing five franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans.
His experience of playing with and against Indian cricketers has helped him understand their preparation, mindset, and approach to the game.
Ferguson shared, “It’s been awesome to play against them 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.”
Arshdeep Singh set to enjoy New Zealand conditions
The fast bowler also highlighted the conditions in New Zealand, where fast bowlers can get extra swing and bounce. He believes India pacer Arshdeep Singh will enjoy bowling in these conditions, as the left-arm bowler could get more help from the surface and moving ball.
Ferguson signed off by saying, “I know Arshdeep’s looking forward to bowling in New Zealand, where the ball swings and bounces a bit extra.”
Currently, India is facing the West Indies in the five-match T20I series at home while the Black Caps are gearing up to face the Men in Blue in a five-match T20I series from October 22.
