Sooryavanshi debut 'not a straightforward decision', says Morkel

Three matches into the UK tour and India have made one thing clear: they are in no rush to fast-track Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into international cricket. Even after a first-ever series defeat to Ireland and Sanju Samson's scores of 5, 0 and 1 across the three matches they have played so far, the management has continued to back the top order that delivered the T20 World Cup earlier this year.

The decision has naturally kept the spotlight on the 15-year-old, who has quickly climbed the pecking order with a string of eye-catching performances over the last year. But bowling coach Morne Morkel said handing Sooryavanshi a debut cap is not as "straightforward" as it might appear, stressing the importance of showing faith in players who had played key roles in India's T20 World Cup-winning campaign only months ago.

Asked what went into the decision to keep Sooryavanshi waiting, Morkel said, "Look, I don't think there's a lot of factors. I think we just need to also respect the fact that we've got the number one batter in T20 cricket, Abhishek Sharma. Sanju was the Player of the World Cup, he 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. It's about putting performances on the board, that is key. But also, if you look at it, we also don't want to think too much and bat other players out of positions.

"So I reckon it's not a straightforward decision, 'OK, let's play'. 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 model as good as possible in these conditions."

While Sooryavanshi's wait continues, Morkel said the teenager has settled into the senior set-up seamlessly and has already caught the eye in training, which can often be an "intimidating" experience for younger players coming into the squad.

"I think he's filled in very, very well," Morkel said. "I think if you follow the boys on Instagram, there's already a lot of photos being posted, with him especially. And, just the way the guys have welcomed him.

"I think 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, we're all excited to see how he goes. And 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."

Unlike England, India did not announce their Playing XI on the eve of the Manchester T20I. If they stick with the same batting line-up, Sooryavanshi's wait will extend to a fourth match. But with Samson still searching for runs and the teenager, in Morkel's words, "knocking on the door", the debate is unlikely to go away.

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