Why is India delaying Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s debut? India’s bowling coach explains

India bowling coach Morne Morkel has defended the team management’s decision to delay Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s international debut, insisting it would be unfair to overlook established performers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson despite growing excitement around the teenage batsman sensation.

Speaking ahead of the second T20I against England, Morkel emphasized that the Indian team believes in rewarding players who have consistently performed at the highest level, rather than making changes driven by hype or public demand.

Morkel made it clear that India’s current opening pair has earned the confidence of the management through consistent performances over a period of time.

“I think we just have to respect the fact that we have the number one batsman or we had our number one batsman in T20 cricket, Abhishek Sharma. You know, Sanju was a World Cup player,” Morkel told reporters ahead of the second T20I.

Vaibhav, who has become one of the biggest talking points after his breakthrough IPL campaign with Rajasthan Royals where he finished as the top run-getter, has been included in India’s T20I squad but is yet to claim his first cap.

‘ONLY SUPPORT YOUR PLAYERS FAIRLY’

Abhishek has established himself as one of the most devastating T20 batsmen in India over the last two years. The lefty delivered some explosive punches, including a quick century against Zimbabwe in 2024 and a match-winning 135 off 54 balls against England in 2025 and recently became the fastest batsman to hit 100 T20I sixes.

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson has had mixed results in recent performances, but his reputation as a fine artist remains intact even after a significant role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year, where he was named player of the tournament.

Morkel also highlighted Samson’s overall contribution, including his strong IPL season, as a key reason why India decided to stick with the veteran opener.

“He (Samson) had a great IPL. So as a coaching staff, I think it’s only fair to show faith and support our players. Yes, there’s a young man knocking on the door and it’s exciting,” Morkel said.

The former South Africa fast bowler further added that backing established players also boosts confidence in the dressing room and sends a clear signal of confidence across the team.

“But I think not only those two players up top, but the rest of the group, it’s a good sign that we’re showing that we support you,” he added.

With India prioritizing continuity at number one, Sooryavanshi’s long-awaited international debut looks set to be postponed even as one of the country’s most promising young talents continues to wait for his opportunity on the big stage.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

03 Jul 2026 20:28 IST