NEW DELHI: Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel made it clear that the team management will continue to support openers Sanju Samson 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 since being picked for India’s T20I squads against Ireland and England after his sensational IPL season. While Abhishek scored a half-century and a 49 in his last three innings of the ongoing UK tour, Samson struggled, managing scores of 5, 0 and 1.However, Morkel said the team believes in showing faith in the players who have already delivered for India.“I think we just have to respect the fact that we got the number one batter, or we have the number one batter in T20 cricket, Abhishek Sharma. You know, Sanju is the World Cup player,” Morkel said on the eve of the second T20I against England.“He (Samson) had a good IPL. So, I think as a coaching staff, it is only reasonable to show faith and support your players. Yes, there is a young man knocking on the door and it is exciting. But I consider that not only those two players above, but for the rest of the group, it is a good sign that we show that we are back to you,” he said.
“We don’t want to lose position players”
Morkel said that the selection of the playing XI is not only about bringing in a new player. He pointed out that the coaching staff also wants to avoid changing the batting position of the players.“One day, it’s about putting performances on the board. That’s the key. But we also don’t want to think too much and fail other players from positions. So, I consider it indirect, Ok, let’s play (Sooryavanshi).“It’s something to support some guys who have won World Cups, who have done well for you in difficult situations, and then also from there, build and see how we can build and make our top order as good as possible in these conditions,” he explained.
“If he gets a chance, he’s ready”
Although Morkel did not reveal when Sooryavanshi could 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 the training despite being only 15 years old.“I think he’s filled in very, very well. You know, I think if you follow the boys on Instagram, there are already many photos posted, with him especially. In the nets as a 15-year-old on the international stage, it’s scary.“But, I think the couple nets we had, it was very impressive. And, you know, we’re all excited to see how he does. If he has an opportunity, I’m sure he’ll be ready. But in terms of joining the squad and adapting, it has been very smooth,” he said.
Morkel praised 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 worked with Prince during his time with Lucknow Super Giants and noticed his talent even then.“I was very lucky to work with Prince when I was with Lucknow Super Giants. Prince at that time was a net bowler and there he was already marked as a very skilled person. I was just amazed how calmly he kept 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 talk about death bowling and that middle part, how he reads the game, what decisions he makes under pressure and then executes that, for me, it’s great to see,” he said.
Harshit Rana impressed after the injury
Morkel also heaped praise on fast bowler Harshit Rana, saying it was heartening to see him playing with energy after returning from an injury.With the second T20I against England scheduled to be played at Old Trafford, the Indian team management seems poised to continue backing experienced players, while keeping a close eye on exciting youngsters like Sooryavanshi for future opportunities.