'No surprise': NZ ready for 'unreal talent' Sooryavanshi ahead of T20I series

New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is looking forward to bowling to 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the upcoming T20I series against India, saying the teenager's inclusion in the national squad comes as "no surprise".

Sooryavanshi has been named in India's squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which begins on October 22.

"I played him in the IPL. He's proper talent. He's 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," Ferguson told reporters on Sunday.

"So yeah, 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."

New Zealand will host India for a multi-format tour featuring two Tests, five T20Is and five ODIs.

"India's unreal side, we know that. But hosting them in New Zealand is going to be real awesome," Ferguson said, as quoted by PTI.

The 35-year-old has spent close to a decade playing in the IPL, representing five teams, including former champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans. He said playing alongside and against Indian cricketers in the league had helped him understand how they approach the game.

"It's been awesome to play against them (Indian players) 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 also said India's left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh was looking forward to bowling in New Zealand, where conditions offer more swing and bounce.

"I know Arshdeep's looking forward to bowling in New Zealand where the ball swings and bounces a bit extra."

Ferguson is also set to return to New Zealand's ODI squad after three years. He has been named in the squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs against India, marking his return to the format since the 2023 World Cup semifinal against India in Mumbai.