• Source:JND

India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has made it clear that the team management is ready to back openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, despite growing calls for teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to get his T20I debut.

The 15-year-old earned his maiden India call-up after an outstanding IPL season. However, he has remained on the bench, missing out in both T20Is against Ireland as well as the opening game of the England series. The team has continued to stick with its preferred opening pair of Samson and Abhishek.

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The debate over Sooryavanshi’s inclusion gathered pace after India’s first-ever T20I defeat to Ireland. With Samson struggling for form, many fans and experts suggested that the youngster should replace the wicketkeeper-batter at the top of the order alongside Abhishek.

Speaking on Friday, Morkel suggested that the management is not looking to make any immediate changes. His comments indicated that Samson and Abhishek will continue to get opportunities as the team believes in giving players enough time to prove themselves.

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Will Sooryavanshi feature against England in 2nd T20I

While Abhishek has looked in good touch during the ongoing UK tour, scoring a half-century and a 49 in his last three innings, Samson has endured a lean run with scores of 5, 0 and 1, adding to the pressure on his place in the playing XI.

“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 said on the eve of the second T20I against England here.

“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.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi adapted well to India's dressing room environment

Morkel might not have given a clear timeline for Sooryavanshi’s international debut, but said the 15-year-old has adapted well to the Indian dressing room environment and routines at nets.

“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.

India's T20I record vs England in Manchester

The second T20I between India and England will take place at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester. India and England have played two T20I at the venue, with both teams winning one match each. The Men in Blue last played at this venue on July 3, 2018, when they registered a memorable eight-wicket victory over England in the opening match of the three-match T20I series.


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