‘Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is like Sachin..but can he play that long?’:Kapil Dev says 15-year-old’s true test will come when he turns 20

Former Indian captain and the leader of the 1983 World Cup-winning brigade, Kapil Dev, has wished Vaibhav Sooryavanshi well, ahead of his maiden tour with Team India. The 15-year-old received his maiden India call-up for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland. With the first match scheduled for 26th, there is plenty of excitement in Belfast. If Vaibhav makes his debut, he may surpass Sachin Tendulkar as the youngest cricketer to ever play for the Indian team. Kapil Dev wished the 15-year-old prodigy, but also challenged him to show the longevity that made Tendulkar the ‘god of cricket’. Vaibhav’s true test will come when he turns 20 “Vaibhav is too young. But yes he is a special talent and full stop. He is a 16-year-old kid and everything he has is only cricket. Once he reaches 20-22, we will judge. But no doubt his talent is extraordinary. He is like Sachin at the age of 16 but can he play that long? He had to go a long way,” Kapil Dev was quoted as saying by Indian Express. Belfast is buzzing ahead of Vaibhav’s arrival There is tremendous excitement in Europe regarding the potential international debut of 15-year-old Indian batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi against Ireland. Former Indian and Irish cricketer MV Narasimha Rao stated that there is a huge demand for tickets for Belfast’s 7,000-capacity Stormont Ground, and fans from several European countries are expected to attend the match. Rao believes that Belfast’s slow pitches will suit Vaibhav, but his real test will come in the T20 series against England due to swing and changing weather conditions. He compared Vaibhav’s batting to Sir Garfield Sobers, stating that his technique and shot-playing ability are excellent. Rao advised the young batsman to remain humble like Sachin Tendulkar amidst superstardom, and to maintain fitness and discipline. He added that Vaibhav possesses extraordinary talent, but sustaining it for a long time will be the biggest challenge. Rao, who has contributed to Irish cricket for 35 years, will also have the honour of ringing the prestigious ‘Roy Torrens Bell’ before the second T20 on June 28.