Ishan Kishan guides Sooryavanshi in nets ahead of 1st T20I:India’s preparations take a hit due to poor training facilities in Belfast

India’s preparations for the opening T20 International against Ireland got off to a not-so-great start on Thursday, with the visitors facing sub-standard practice facilities upon arrival. However, the focus quickly shifted to teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose first net session with the senior national team created buzz. Along with visuals of the 15-year-old prodigy having a chat with the support staff, the video of batter Ishan Kishan, having a chat with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who belongs to the same state of Bihar, went viral on social media. Indian team faces poor training facilities in Belfast ahead of 1st T20I The Indian team management was left unimpressed after discovering that one of the practice strips did not have a sight screen positioned behind the bowler’s arm, making it difficult for batters to pick up the ball against the backdrop. A BCCI source told PTI, “Yes, there have been some issues with practice facilities, but the Indian team’s support staff have brought this to the notice of Irish officials.” The issue was promptly brought to the attention of Cricket Ireland officials by India’s operations manager, who walked across to discuss the matter with the hosts. The arrangements were later rectified before the session gathered pace. Once the logistical hiccup was addressed, attention inevitably turned towards the youngest member of the touring party. Sooryavanshi’s first training session with Indian team, guided by Ishan Kishan Making his first appearance at a net session with the senior national side, Sooryavanshi looked completely at ease despite the spotlight that followed his every movement. The left-handed batter, whose exploits in franchise cricket have made him one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the country, appeared in excellent rhythm while training for almost an hour in the nets. A video of Ishan Kishan guiding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also went viral on social media, as two players who belong to the same state of Bihar had a chat. Fans turn up in large numbers to see the young prodigy For a city not accustomed to cricket frenzy, Belfast has witnessed unusual excitement surrounding the teenager’s arrival. Members of the Indian community turned up in large numbers to catch a glimpse of him. The enthusiasm among Non-Resident Indians has been particularly striking, with many keen to secure photographs and autographs from the emerging star. The frenzy surrounding the teenager has extended beyond the players as well.
Some enthusiastic fans were seen taking selfies with Romi Bhinder, the Rajasthan Royals’ appointed “guardian” of Sooryavanshi. He was seen entering the Indian team hotel with the teenager’s parents. Appointed as Sooryavanshi’s guardian by the IPL franchise during his rapid rise through the ranks, Bhinder has remained a familiar figure around the youngster and has accompanied the Royals representatives monitoring his progress on the international stage. As the session progressed under pleasant Belfast conditions, Sooryavanshi continued to operate as usual without focusing much on the attention that he got during the practice session.