Lockie Ferguson Warns New Zealand to Brace for 'Unreal Talent' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in T20I Series

Ferguson: 'It's No Surprise He's Been Pushed Into the Indian Squad'

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has welcomed the prospect of testing himself against India's teenage batting phenomenon Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, insisting the 15-year-old's elevation to the national side comes as "no surprise" given his exploits in the Indian Premier League.

Sooryavanshi has been named in India's squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which gets underway on October 22. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ferguson made clear he is expecting a serious contest.

"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.

The veteran seamer is also intrigued by the challenge of bowling to a young batter who may be experiencing New Zealand conditions for the very first time.

"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."

India 'Unreal Side' but New Zealand Relish Hosting Duties

New Zealand will host India for a multi-format tour featuring two Tests, five T20Is and five ODIs, and Ferguson acknowledged the calibre of the opposition while embracing the home advantage.

"India's unreal side, we know that. But hosting them in New Zealand is going to be real awesome," Ferguson said, as quoted by PTI.

A Decade of IPL Insight Into Indian Cricket

The 35-year-old has spent close to a decade playing in the IPL, representing five teams, including former champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans. He said sharing a dressing room with, and bowling against, Indian cricketers in the league had sharpened his understanding of how they approach 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."

That familiarity, Ferguson suggested, will help New Zealand plan for an Indian line-up packed with players he knows well.

Arshdeep Singh Eager for Swing and Bounce

Ferguson also revealed that India's left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is looking forward to operating in New Zealand, where the conditions offer more lateral movement and carry than the subcontinent.

"I know Arshdeep's looking forward to bowling in New Zealand where the ball swings and bounces a bit extra."

Ferguson Set for ODI Return After Three Years

Beyond the T20I assignment, Ferguson is set to return to New Zealand's ODI squad after a three-year absence. He has been named in the squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs against India, marking his return to the 50-over format since the 2023 World Cup semifinal against India in Mumbai.

The upcoming series represents a significant test for both sides, with New Zealand keen to measure Sooryavanshi's explosive talent against seam-friendly conditions and pressure — a challenge previously laid down by head coach Rob Walter, who said in September that he wanted to see how the teenager adapted.