New Zealand coach wants to test Sooryavanshi on pace and bounce

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said he is curious to see how 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi responds to pace and bounce when India tour for a five-match T20I series beginning October 22. Walter noted that Sooryavanshi has dominated against the world’s best bowlers in the IPL but faces a different challenge on seam-friendly surfaces.

Sooryavanshi struggled in his first three senior international matches in England but scored two half-centuries in Zimbabwe. Walter said the series would test how the teenager’s aggressive game translates to different conditions and how New Zealand can bowl to him.

Walter also said he is interested in seeing how emerging players respond under pressure, adding that if Sooryavanshi is not selected, India still have other very good players.