NEW DELHI: Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel has made it clear that the team management will continue to support rookies Sanja 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 ever since he was picked for India’s T20I squads against Ireland and England after his sensational IPL season. While Abhishek scored a half-century and 49 in the last three innings of the ongoing UK tour, Samson struggled, managing scores of 5, 0 and 1.Despite this, Morkel said the team believes in showing faith in players who have already scored for India.“I think we just 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 ahead 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 your players. Yes, a youngster is knocking on the door and that’s exciting. But I think not only for those two players at the top, but for the rest of the group, it’s a good sign to show that we support you,” he said.
“We don’t want to hit players out of position”
Morkel said picking a playing XI is not just about bringing in a new player. He emphasized that the coaching staff also wants to avoid changing the players’ positions.“On a day, it’s about putting performances on the board. That’s the key. But we also don’t want to think too much and ask other position players. So, I don’t think it’s a simple, OK, let’s play (Sooryavanshi).“It’s a matter of supporting some of the guys who have won world championships, who have been really good for you in tough situations, and then build from there and see how we can structure and make our top order as good as possible in these conditions,” he explained.
‘When the opportunity arises, he will be ready’
While 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 even though he is only 15 years old.“I think he’s very, very well filled. You know, I think if you follow the guys on Instagram, a lot of photos are already being posted, especially with him. On the networks as a 15-year-old on the international scene, it can be scary.“But I think just the few networks we’ve had have been very impressive. And, you know, we’re all excited to see how it goes. When he gets the chance, 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 fast bowler also had words of praise for young pacer Prince Yadav, who took six wickets in the first three internationals.Morkel revealed that he worked with Prince when he was with Lucknow Super Giants and noticed his talent even then.“I was very fortunate to work with Prince when I was with Lucknow Super Giants. Prince was a bowler at the time and he was already marked there as someone who is very skilled. I am amazed at 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 phase, 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, saying it was encouraging to see him bowl intensively after returning from an injury lay-off.With the second T20I against England being 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.
