‘He’s even getting into sledging now’: Stuart Broad admits he may be ‘starstruck’ by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Former England pacer Stuart Broad has said he cannot wait to watch 15-year-old Indian batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in action during the upcoming T20I series in the UK, admitting he may even be “starstruck” if he sees the youngster in the series opener in Durham.

Sooryavanshi, who recently stunned the cricket world with a record-breaking List-A fifty off just 11 balls against Sri Lanka A, has been included in India’s senior squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England. The left-handed batter has rapidly become one of the most talked-about young talents in world cricket.

‘He’s got it all’ — Broad amazed by rapid rise

Broad, speaking on the For the Love of Cricket podcast, was full of praise for the teenager’s explosive rise and fearless approach.

“He’s got it all, hasn’t he? He’s got it all. He’s even getting into sledging now. OK, the cricket’s too easy. 11 balls. That’s crazy. I’m sure you’re probably not hoping, but I’m doing the first T20 up in Durham against India, what’s that, July the 1st? ….I just hope he plays. I really, I’ve actually got to be honest, I think I might be starstruck by him,” Broad said.

He also highlighted conversations within cricketing circles that have further fuelled the excitement around the youngster.

“And do you know what? It’s not just us buying into the hype. I mean, you’ve obviously seen him, you’ve kept to him. I’ve spent the week with Dinesh Kartik, who’s one of the coaches, an assistant coach at RCB. And, of course, I’m like, seriously, what do you think of this guy? He’s unbelievable. He’s seriously unbelievable. You can’t get your head around how good this kid is,” he added while addressing fellow panelist Jos Buttler.

Broad noted that much of the UK has only seen highlights and heard “whispers” about Sooryavanshi’s talent, increasing anticipation ahead of his potential debut on English soil.

“Obviously, over this side of England, people are just hearing whispers really and seeing great bits of footage. But to hear guys that are seeing him week in, week out, going, this kid’s on a different level,” he said.

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Buttler backs hype as England prepare for challenge

Former England white-ball captain Jos Buttler also acknowledged the extraordinary impact Sooryavanshi has made at such a young age.

“Listen to this. Hit an 11-ball 50 for India A, the fastest half-century in the history of List A 50-over cricket. So he’s at it again,” Buttler said.

“It’s something we’ve just never seen before… he’s worrying how many records and things he keeps ticking off so quickly. So, yeah, we’re going to need to keep him quiet as an England side in those T20S. No, he’s a different level. Absolutely. And actually quite cool,” he added.

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