NEW DELHI: Bowling coach in India Morne Morkel made it clear that the team management will continue to support Sanju Samson’s opening and Abhishek Sharmadespite growing calls for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to make his international debut.Sooryavanshi has been one of the biggest talking points ever since he was picked for India’s T20I squads against Ireland and England after his sensational IPL season. While Abhishek has scored a half-century and a 49 in his last three innings in the ongoing UK tour, Samson has struggled, managing scores of 5, 0 and 1.Even so, Morkel said the team believes in showing faith in the players who have already delivered for India.“I think we just need to respect the fact that we had the number one batsman, or we had our number one batsman in T20 cricket, Abhishek Sharma. You know, Sanju was the World Cup player,” Morkel said on the eve of the second T20I against England.“He (Samson) had a great IPL. So, I think that as a coaching staff, it is only right to show faith and return your players. Yes, there is a young man who knocks on the door and it is exciting. But I count not only for those two players at the top, but for the rest of the group, it is a good sign that we have shown that we have told you.
“We don’t want to beat players out of position”
Morkel said the selection of the playing XI is not just about bringing in a new player. He stressed that the coaching staff also wants to avoid changing the players’ batting positions.“In one day, it’s about putting performances on the table. That’s the key. But we also don’t want to think too much and beat the other players out of position. So, I think it’s not simple, Ok, let’s play (Sooryavanshi).“It’s a matter of supporting some of the guys who won the World Cup, who did really well for you in difficult situations, and then also from there, build and see how we can structure and make our top order the best possible in these conditions,” he explained.
“When she has the chance, she will be ready”
Although Morkel did not reveal when Sooryavanshi might make his India debut, he praised the teenager for settling in quickly in the dressing room.He also said that the youngster impressed everyone during training despite being only 15 years old.“I think he is complete very, very well. You know, I think if you follow the boys on Instagram, there are already many pictures that are published, with him especially. To the networks as 15 years in the international stadium, it can be intimidating.“But, I think just the couple of nets we’ve had, it’s been very impressive. And, you know, we’re all excited to see how it goes. When he gets an opportunity, I’m pretty sure he’ll be ready. But in terms of getting into the team and fitting in, it’s been very smooth,” he said.
Morkel praises Prince Yadav
The former South African fast bowler also had words of praise for young pacer Prince Yadav, who took six wickets in his first three international matches.Morkel revealed that he had worked with Prince during his time with the Lucknow Super Giants and had noticed his talent even then.“I was lucky enough to work with Prince while he was with Lucknow Super Giants. Prince at the time was a net bowler and here he was already branded as someone who was very skilled. I was just blown away by how calm he kept things.“I think he is also a guy who is always looking for ways to improve his game. But at the end of the day, it is about the execution. If we talk about the bowling of death and that middle phase, how to read the game, what decisions he makes under pressure and then execute this, for me, it is great to see,” he noted.
Harshit Rana impresses after injury
Morkel also praised fast bowler Harshit Rana, saying it was encouraging to see him with intensity after returning from an injury layoff.With the second T20I against England due to be played at Old Trafford, India’s team management looks set to continue backing its experienced players, keeping a close eye on exciting youngsters like Sooryavanshi for future opportunities.
