India bowling coach Morne Morkel has defended the team management’s decision to delay Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s international debut, insisting it would be unfair to overlook established performers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson despite growing excitement around the teenage batting sensation.
Speaking ahead of the second T20I against England, Morkel stressed that the Indian team believes in rewarding players who have consistently delivered at the highest level rather than making changes driven by hype or public demand.
Morkel made it clear that India’s current opening pair have earned the management’s trust through sustained performances over a period of time.
“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,” Morkel told reporters ahead of the second T20I.
Vaibhav, who became one of the biggest talking points after his breakout IPL campaign with Rajasthan Royals where he finished as the leading run-getter, has been included in India’s T20I squad but is yet to earn his maiden cap.
‘ONLY FAIR TO BACK YOUR PLAYERS’
Abhishek has established himself as one of India’s most destructive T20 batters over the last two years. The left-hander produced several explosive knocks, including a rapid century against Zimbabwe in 2024 and a match-winning 135 off 54 balls against England in 2025, and recently became the fastest batter to hit 100 T20I sixes.
Sanju Samson, meanwhile, has had a mixed run in recent outings, but his reputation as a big-match performer remains intact after a strong role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year, where he was named Player of the Tournament.
Morkel also highlighted Samson’s overall contributions, including his strong IPL season, as a key reason behind India’s decision to persist with the experienced opener.
“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,” Morkel said.
The former South Africa fast bowler further added that backing established players also strengthens dressing-room confidence and sends a clear message of trust across the squad.
“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.
With India prioritising continuity at the top of the order, Sooryavanshi’s long-awaited international debut appears set to be delayed further, even as one of the country’s most promising young talents continues to wait for his opportunity on the big stage.
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