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India-origin Ireland pacer Jai Moondra has joined the growing list of admirers of teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, insisting that the youngster’s age should not become a barrier to his international ambitions.Speaking during an interaction with broadcasters ahead of the second T20I in Belfast, Moondra was asked about the buzz surrounding Sooryavanshi and whether the teenager’s exploits had attracted attention in Irish cricket circles. The left-arm pacer was emphatic in his response.“They say age is just a number. He’s playing for India and could soon earn an international cap. We have seen he has big potential. Age ko chodhiye woh bohot bada dhamaka bhi kar shkta hai (Age shouldn’t be a factor because he is capable of producing something special). Everyone knows what he can do, and everyone wants to watch him play. Now, let’s see if he gets the opportunity,” Moondra said.Watch:The praise comes at a time when Sooryavanshi’s name is increasingly being discussed as India look to bounce back from a shock defeat in the opening T20I against Ireland.While India endured a disappointing 34-run loss in Belfast on Friday, the match turned into a memorable occasion for Moondra himself. The Tonk-born pacer, making his international debut for Ireland, played a pivotal role in helping the hosts register their first-ever international victory over India.The 29-year-old made an immediate impact, dismissing Sanju Samson with the very first ball of his spell before returning to remove Shivam Dube later in the innings. His impressive figures of 2/25 from four overs underlined Ireland’s disciplined bowling effort.With India facing a must-win encounter in the second and final T20I, Sooryavanshi’s name has inevitably surfaced as a potential option should the management decide to shake up the batting order. And if Moondra’s assessment is anything to go by, the teenager’s talent is already commanding attention far beyond India’s borders.
