‘It’s not straight forward’: Team India coach sends clear message on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s debut

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Morne Morkel (Image credit: BCCI) NEW DELHI: India bowling coach Morne Morkel has made it clear that the team management will continue to back openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma despite growing calls for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to make his international debut.Sooryavanshi has been one of the highlights ever since he was picked in India’s T20I squads against Ireland and England after his sensational IPL season. While Abhishek scored half-centuries and 49 in his last three innings on the ongoing UK tour, Samson struggled with scores of 5, 0 and 1.Still, Morkel said the team believes in showing faith in players who have already come through for India.“I think we have to respect the fact that we have a number one batsman or we had our number one batsman in T20 cricket, Abhishek Sharma. You know, Sanju was a World Cup player,” Morkel said on the eve of the second T20I against England.“He (Samson) had a great IPL. So I think it’s only fair as a coaching staff to show faith and support our players. Yes, there’s a young man knocking on the door and it’s exciting. But I think not only the two players up top but the rest of the group is a good sign that we’re showing that we support you,” he said.

“We don’t want to hit players out of position”

Morkel said picking the playing XI is not just about bringing in a new player. He emphasized that the coaching staff also wants to avoid changing the players’ batting positions.“During the day, it’s about performing on the board. That’s the key. But we also don’t want to overthink and hit other players out of position. So I think it’s not easy, OK, let’s play (Sooryavanshi).“It’s a matter of supporting some of the guys who have won World Cups, who have done really well for you in difficult situations, and also build from there and see how we can structure in those conditions and make our top order as good as possible,” he explained.

‘He’ll be ready when he gets the chance’

Although Morkel did not reveal when Sooryavanshi might make his India debut, he praised the teenager for settling into the dressing room quickly.He also said the youngster impressed everyone during training despite being just 15 years old.“I think he’s filled in very, very well. You know, I think if you follow the guys on Instagram, there’s already a lot of pictures posted there, especially with him. It can be intimidating on the networks as a 15-year-old on the international stage.“But I think just the few nets we had, it was very impressive. And you know, we’re all excited to see how he’s going to do. When he gets the opportunity, I’m pretty sure he’ll be ready. But as far as coming into the team and fitting in, it’s been very smooth,” he said.

Morkel praises Prince Yadav

The former South African speedster also had words of praise for young pacer Prince Yadav, who took six wickets in his first three international matches.Morkel revealed that he worked with Prince during his time with Lucknow Super Giants and noticed his talent even then.“I was quite lucky to work with Prince when I was at Lucknow Super Giants. Prince was a net bowler at that time and he was already marked there as someone who was highly skilled. I’m just blown away by how calm he keeps things.”“I think he’s also a guy who’s always looking for ways to improve his game. But at the end of the day, it’s about execution. If we’re talking about death bowling and that middle stage, how he reads the game, what decisions he makes under pressure and then executes it, for me it’s great to see,” he noted.

Harshit Rana impresses after injury

Morkel also praised fast bowler Harshit Rana and said it was heartening to see him play with intensity after returning from injury break.With the second T20I against England set to be played at Old Trafford, the Indian team management seems set to continue backing their experienced players while keeping a close eye on exciting youngsters like Sooryavanshi for future opportunities.