Despite teenage star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi knocking on the team’s doors, India bowling coach Morne Morkel stated that the management will not be able to simply replace openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma.
During the current UK tour, Samson has been unimpressive with scores of 5, 0, and 1, while Abhishek has struck a half-century and a 49 in his previous three innings.
“I think we just need to respect the fact that we’ve got the number one batter, or we had our number one batter in T20 cricket, Abhishek Sharma. You know, Sanju was the player of the World Cup,” PTI quoted Morkel as saying on the eve of the second T20I against England in Manchester.
“He (Samson) had a great IPL. So, I think as a coaching staff, it’s only fair to show faith and back your players. Yes, there’s a young man knocking on the door and it’s exciting.
“But I reckon for not just those two players at the top, but for the rest of the group, it’s a good sign that we show that we back you guys,” he added.
Additionally, Morkel emphasized that, given their prior success in that area, the think tank does not support moving the batters about the positions.
“In a day, it’s about putting performances on the board. That is the key. But we also don’t want to think too much and bat other players out of positions. So, I reckon it’s not straightforward, Ok, let’s play (Sooryavanshi).
“It’s a matter of backing some of the guys who’ve won World Cups, who’ve done really well for you in tough situations, and then also from there, build and see how we can structure and make our top order as good as possible in these conditions,” he explained.
Although Morkel did not provide a clear timeline for Sooryavanshi’s international debut, he did note that the 15-year-old had adjusted well to the Indian dressing room and net routines.
“I think he’s filled in very, very well. You know, I think if you follow the boys on Instagram, there’s already a lot of photos being posted, with him especially. At the nets as a 15-year-old at the international stage, 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 he goes. When he gets an opportunity, I’m pretty sure he’ll be ready. But in terms of coming into the squad and fitting in, it’s been very smooth,” he said.
Another newcomer, pacer Prince Yadav, who has already claimed six wickets in three international matches, also pleased the former South African pacer.
“I was quite lucky to work with Prince while I was with Lucknow Super Giants. Prince at the time was a net bowler and there he was already marked as somebody who was highly skilled. I’m just blown away by how calm he keeps things.
“I think he’s also a guy who is 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 phase, how he reads the play, what decisions he makes under pressure and then executing that, for me, it’s great to see,” he noted.
Morkel added that Harshit Rana’s intense bowling after returning from an injury layoff was impressive.
