India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, dropped a strong hint on July 3 that the team management is sticking by opening duo Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for now, even with teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi breathing down their necks. While Abhishek has been in decent touch on the current UK tour with a half-century and a knock of 49 in his last three outings, Samson has struggled to find his rhythm, registering meager scores of 5, 0, and 1.
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Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play 2nd T20I vs ENG? Morne Morkel answers
Despite Samson's recent slump, Morkel emphasized the importance of loyalty ahead of the second T20I against England. He reminded everyone of the pedigree both openers possess, pointing out Abhishek's rise as a top-tier T20 batter and celebrating Samson's pivotal role in India's recent World Cup success alongside a stellar IPL campaign. For the coaching staff, throwing their full weight behind proven performers is currently the top priority.
Morkel acknowledged that having a young talent like Sooryavanshi pushing for selection is an exciting problem to have, but argued that stability is what the squad needs right now. He also stated that showing patience with the opening pair sends a reassuring and positive message to the entire dressing room, proving that the coaching staff will back their players through thick and thin.
"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 at the pre-match press conference.
Morkel admits Sooryavanshi's undeniable talent
Even though Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to wait a little longer for his opportunity, Morkel said that the teenager has adapted effortlessly to the senior environment. The bowling coach praised the youngster for turning heads during practice sessions—a feat he found particularly impressive given how intimidating it can be for a rookie to step into a squad filled with established international stars.
Unlike their English hosts, the Indian management opted against revealing their starting lineup on the eve of the Manchester clash. Should they choose to field an unchanged batting order, Sooryavanshi's stint on the sidelines will stretch to a fourth consecutive game. However, with Sanju Samson desperate for runs and the teenage prodigy continuing to put pressure on the selectors, the conversation surrounding a potential change at the top is bound to persist.