Vaibhav Sooryavanshi reminds Glenn McGrath of Brian Lara and Garry Sobers

CHENNAI: Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath heaped praise on teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, comparing his batting style to some of the greatest names in cricket. McGrath, who is the director of coaching at the MRF Pace Foundation, said Sooryavanshi’s fearless approach and distinctive backlift reminded him more of West Indies legends Brian Lara and Garry Sobers.

“You probably look at someone like Brian Lara with that backlift. You look back and Garry Sobers is another one who comes to mind,” McGrath said on the sidelines of a practice session.




McGrath admitted he was amazed by the youngster’s IPL exploits. “He was incredible. Normally players have more fours than sixes, but he had 72 sixes and 63 fours. He’s obviously a powerful hitter and has definitely changed the game.”

“They have no fear, do they? They don’t care whether it’s Pat Cummins bowling. If it’s there, he just hits through it,” the former Australian quick added.

However, McGrath said he would be keen to see how Sooryavanshi fares outside the subcontinent. “If he does go and play in England or Australia, I’d be interested to see how he does there.”

McGrath also lauded the MRF Pace Foundation products Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain, both of whom made notable contributions for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL.