Coach Walter highlights pressure scenario for Vaibhav ahead of T20 tour

The upcoming India‑New Zealand T20 series has put the spotlight on rising star Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The 19‑year‑old has impressed in domestic leagues and under‑19 cricket, prompting speculation about his role in the senior side.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter told media on Wednesday that he is eager to assess Vaibhav on the fast, bouncy tracks New Zealand is known for. "I would like to see him on the higher‑pace wickets and understand how his game translates there," Walter said. "He’s an exciting talent."

Walter added that part of his role is to place players in slightly demanding situations to gauge their response. "As a coach, you always want to see how your player handles a bit of pressure," he remarked.

Vaibhav’s highlights include a T20 debut versus England, a modest start, and a turnaround in the Zimbabwe series where he earned Player of the Series. To date he has scored 193 runs in six T20 outings, including two half‑centuries, with a personal best of 81. He is also a member of India’s Asian Games contingent and could be considered for the playing eleven in New Zealand.