NZ v IND 2026: “He’s an unreal talent; played him in IPL”- Lockie Ferguson excited to bowl to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

India will tour New Zealand for five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests.

New Zealand’s pace bowling star Lockie Ferguson has lavished high praise on the 15-year-old Indian batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as an “unreal talent” prior to India’s upcoming all-format tour of New Zealand.

Lockie Ferguson, who has previously seen action against Sooryavanshi in the IPL, believes that the performances of the young boy have rightly earned him a place in the national side. He also said that playing in New Zealand will bring a new challenge for the teenager, and he can’t wait to bowl to Sooryavanshi.

“I played him in the IPL. He’s a proper talent. He’s an 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. 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,” Ferguson told select media in an interaction facilitated by Sony Sports Network.

India is scheduled to tour New Zealand for two Tests, five ODIs, and five T20Is. Ferguson acknowledged the quality of the Indian side and said hosting them would be an exciting prospect for the hosts.

“India’s unreal side, we know that. But hosting them in New Zealand is going to be really awesome," he said.

Ferguson, 35, represented five franchises in IPL, including former champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans. He claimed that playing with and against Indian cricket players has given him a better understanding of their preparation, mindset, and style of play.

“It’s been awesome to play against them 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," Ferguson said.

Ferguson also stated that pacers will love to bowl in New Zealand conditions, as they will get extra swing and bounce. He had a special mention for Arshdeep Singh, with whom he has played in the IPL for the Punjab Kings.

Ferguson believes the left-arm pacer will relish the opportunity to bowl in those conditions.

“I know Arshdeep’s looking forward to bowling in New Zealand, where the ball swings and bounces a bit extra," Ferguson said.