Lockie Ferguson has already set the tone, telling reporters he’s itching to see 15‑year‑old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi try his hand in New Zealand. The five‑match T20I series starts on October 22, and the Kiwi fast bowler is ready to take on the newcomer.
Ferguson, 35, has spent nine seasons in the IPL, racking up wickets for five franchises, including KKR and GT. He says playing alongside Indian players in the league has given him a map of how they approach the game.
That knowledge is the turning point: “I’ve learned their mindset, how they prepare, how they play in India,” Ferguson says. He adds that left‑arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is also keen to exploit New Zealand’s swing and bounce.
India’s ‘unreal’ side will face a New Zealand squad that’s primed for a fast‑ball challenge. The first T20I will be played at Eden Park on October 22, and the outcome will hint at who can break the other’s rhythm.
The series will test whether Sooryavanshi can hold his own against seasoned bowlers, and whether Ferguson’s experience can keep the Indian batsmen guessing.
Next up: the first T20I at Eden Park on October 22, a showdown that promises fireworks and a fierce battle of youth versus experience.