India bowling coach Morne Morkel has defended the team management’s decision to delay Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s international debut and asserted that it would be unfair to overlook established performers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson despite the growing enthusiasm for 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 performed well at the highest level rather than making changes driven by publicity or public demand.

Morkel clarified that India’s current opening pair has earned the confidence of the management through consistent performances over time.

“I think we just need to respect the fact that we have the number one batsman, or we have the number one batsman in T20 cricket, Abhishek Sharma. You know, Sanju was a World Cup player,” Morkel told reporters ahead of the second T20 match.

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 first cap.

‘It is right to support your players’

Abhishek has established himself as one of India’s most destructive T20 batsmen over the last two years. The left-handed batsman played many explosive innings, Which also includes a quick century against Zimbabwe in 2024 And played a match-winning inning of 135 runs in 54 balls against England in 2025, and recently became the fastest batsman to hit 100 T20I sixes.

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson’s recent performances have been mixed, but his reputation as a player who performs well in big matches remains intact. Strong role in India’s T20 World Cup victory Earlier this year, where he was named Player of the Tournament.

Morkel also highlighted Samson’s overall contribution, including his strong IPL season, as the key reason behind India’s decision to stick with the experienced opener.

Morkel said, “He (Samson) had a great IPL. So, I think as a coaching staff, it is appropriate to show confidence and support your players. Yes, a young guy is knocking on the door and it is exciting.”

The former South African fast bowler further said that supporting established players also strengthens the confidence of the dressing room and sends a clear message of confidence to the entire team.

“But I think it’s a good sign, not only for those two players at the top, but also for the rest of the group, that we show that we support you guys,” he said.

With India prioritizing continuity at the top of the order, Suryavanshi’s long-awaited international debut looks to be further delayed, even as one of the country’s most promising young talents continues to wait for her opportunity on the big stage.

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