Anticipation surrounding teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has reached far beyond India, with cricket fans across Europe scrambling for tickets ahead of the youngster's expected international debut during India's T20I series against Ireland, former India and Ireland cricketer MV Narasimha Rao said.
Sooryavanshi, who has emerged as one of Indian cricket's most exciting young prospects, is widely expected to make his India debut in the two-match T20I series beginning in Belfast on June 26. According to Rao, the excitement around the 15-year-old has triggered unprecedented interest among fans in Ireland and neighbouring European countries.
"I think they (local organisers) will have to put more seats because this stadium (Stormont ground) has only 7000 seats or something. Already, people from other parts of Europe like Paris etc want to come, hopefully, we can find a way to accommodate them," Rao told PTI from Strabane, Ireland.
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"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.
The former India Test cricketer, who later represented Ireland before it attained ICC membership, believes Belfast's conditions could suit the young left-hander's attacking game.
Describing Sooryavanshi as a "phenomenal" talent, Rao said the relatively slower pitches in Ireland and the absence of extreme pace in the home bowling attack could help the youngster settle quickly into international cricket.
However, Rao expects a sterner examination when India travel to England after the Ireland series.
"But once he goes to England, it'll be a big test for him because the ball moves there and weather too changes even in the short duration of a T20. But I wish him a good series," he said.
Drawing comparisons with one of cricket's all-time greats, Rao said Sooryavanshi's batting technique reminded him of Sir Garfield Sobers.
"He reminds me — from a few of the matches I watched of Gary Sobers — the high backswing and the bat, straight it comes, and he picks up the ball very quickly. He's so versatile and can play every shot in the game at this young age," Rao said.
While praising the teenager's extraordinary talent, the veteran coach stressed that managing fame and expectations would be the biggest challenge for Sooryavanshi going forward.
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"He has God-given talent. But my word is that — like Sachin Tendulkar — he should keep his head down and feet on the ground. He should maintain that discipline of fitness and practise hard and adapt to different wickets. It'll be a big test for him because he is a superstar now," Rao said.
The 71-year-old, who coached extensively in both Hyderabad and Ireland, said he was also looking forward to meeting India vice-captain Tilak Varma, whom he coached during his formative years in Hyderabad's Under-16 circuit.
Rao is set to ring the Roy Torrens Bell ahead of the second T20I in Belfast on June 28, an honour he described as particularly emotional given his long association with Irish cricket.
"It's a very big honour and emotional as well. The most important thing is that I played for both the countries (India and Ireland)," he said.
"I will cherish it for the rest of my life, because I coached, and put a lot into Irish cricket over the last three and half decades."
A memorable encounter with Ambrose
Recalling his playing days in Ireland, Rao recounted an unforgettable meeting with West Indies fast-bowling great Curtly Ambrose during a NatWest Trophy match in 1995.
With Ireland short of players, Rao turned out against Northamptonshire, whose line-up featured Ambrose, Allan Lamb, Kevin Curran and Rob Bailey. Despite Ambrose producing a devastating spell, Rao remained unbeaten on 47.
According to Rao, Ambrose tested him immediately with a chest-high bouncer that he dispatched for four. The towering fast bowler later walked up to him and remarked: "you don't look Irish."
Although Northamptonshire comfortably won the match, Rao's performance attracted interest from the English county side. However, he chose not to pursue the opportunity and eventually transitioned fully into coaching. Northamptonshire later signed Anil Kumble.
Rao's coaching career subsequently saw him work with several future stars, including Eoin Morgan, Kevin O'Brien, William Porterfield and Andrew Balbirnie in Ireland, while also mentoring players such as VVS Laxman and Mithali Raj in Hyderabad.
He recalled that Laxman joined his academy as a 12-year-old and expressed pride in the former India batter's development into one of the country's finest cricketers.
"Laxman came to me when he was around 12 with his uncle Baba Krishna Mohan, and I am very happy to see him developing into a very fine cricketer for India. He still keeps in touch," Rao said.
(With inputs from agencies)
