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The wait for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's India debut is not over yet. Even though many want to see the 15-year-old batting sensation in the playing XI, India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has confirmed that the team management is still backing Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson in the ongoing five-match T20I series against England.
Ahead of the second T20I in Manchester on July 4, Morkel made it clear that India does not want to make changes just because of recent results and felt the players, including the struggling Samson, who have already performed well for the team, deserve more chances.
Morne Morkel explains why India is not rushing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
The demand for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's debut became much stronger after India suffered a whitewash in the recent two-match T20I series at the hands of Ireland. After that, India once again went with Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan in the top order.
However, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has stressed that it is not easy to include Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the playing XI and revealed that the Abhishek Sharma-Sanju Samson pair will be backed in the ongoing five-match T20I series in England.
Morkel said at the pre-match press conference: "I don’t think there are a lot of factors. We also need to respect the fact that we’ve got the No. 1 batter in T20 cricket, Abhishek Sharma. Sanju was a player in the World Cup and had a great IPL."
"As coaching staff, it’s only fair to show faith and back your players. Yes, there’s a young man knocking on the door, and it’s exciting, but I reckon not just for those two players at the top, but for the rest of the group, it’s a good sign that we show we back you guys.”
"We don’t want to bat players out of position": Morne Morkel on India's batting order
The former South African fast bowler has explained that the team does not want to change the batting positions of other players just to make space for the teenager. This means the left-hander will not get his chance in the second T20I against England on Saturday. However, Sam Curran reveals England's plan against Vaibhav.
Morkel further told reporters, “At the end of the day, it’s about putting performances on the board. We also don’t want to bat players out of position. It’s not as straightforward as saying, ‘Let’s play him.’ It’s a matter of backing the guys who’ve won World Cups and done really well in tough situations, then building from there and seeing how we can make our top order as strong as possible in these conditions.”
Morne Morkel reveals why Team India is excited about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
However, the bowling coach admitted that everyone in the Indian camp is excited about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's future. He said the young left-hander has settled into the squad very quickly and has received a warm welcome from the senior players.
Morkel also praised the teenager's attitude during the England tour. He explained that joining the Indian cricket team at just 15 years of age can be difficult, but Sooryavanshi has looked relaxed and confident from the start.
Even the teenager has impressed everyone during practice sessions. He signed off by saying, “We’re all excited to see how he goes, and when he gets an opportunity, I’m pretty sure he’ll be ready. In terms of coming into the squad and fitting in, it’s been very smooth.”
