New Delhi: India men’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has defended the team management’s decision to delay the international debut of 15 year old left hander Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the ongoing T20 series in England, suggesting the youngster is likely to remain on the bench for the second T20I as well.
The decision has drawn attention after calls grew louder for Sooryavanshi’s inclusion, particularly following India’s recent struggles in the shortest format. However, the team management has opted to continue with its existing top order combination, featuring Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma.
Morkel emphasised that the coaching group is focused on continuity and backing players who have already delivered at the highest level, rather than making changes driven by external pressure or short term results.
He highlighted Abhishek Sharma’s standing as a leading performer in T20 cricket and pointed to Sanju Samson’s strong record, including key contributions in major tournaments, as reasons for maintaining stability at the top of the order.
According to Morkel, the management believes consistency in selection is crucial, especially in conditions where the team is still trying to settle combinations early in a new cycle. He also noted that altering batting positions at this stage could disrupt established roles and impact overall balance.
The coach acknowledged that Sooryavanshi has impressed within the squad environment and described his adjustment to international surroundings as promising for such a young player. He added that the teenager has shown maturity in training sessions and is steadily adapting to the demands of senior level cricket.
While fans continue to push for the debut of the highly rated youngster, the team appears focused on maintaining its current structure, with indications that opportunities may come later depending on series progression and team requirements.
For now, Sooryavanshi remains part of the squad experience, gaining exposure at the international level while awaiting his first appearance on the field.
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