We Need to Respect Them… India Coach Sends Clear Message on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Debate, Drops Big Hint on Team Selection

As excitement continues to build around teenage cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the Indian team management has delivered a strong message regarding its selection philosophy.

Ahead of the second T20I against England, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel addressed the growing debate surrounding Sooryavanshi’s absence from the playing XI. While many fans and experts have pushed for the youngster’s inclusion, Morkel made it clear that the team is not prepared to make hasty changes to a batting unit that has delivered results in the recent past.

Speaking to reporters, Morkel emphasized the importance of backing established performers and maintaining stability within the lineup.

The former South African fast bowler pointed to the achievements of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, insisting that both players have earned the trust of the management through their performances over time.

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Abhishek, in particular, has shown encouraging form during the ongoing UK tour, registering a half-century and a score of 49 in his last three innings. His consistent contributions at the top of the order have reinforced his status as one of India’s most important T20 batters.

Sanju Samson’s recent returns, however, have sparked concern among supporters. The wicketkeeper-batter has struggled to make an impact, recording scores of 5, 0, and 1 in his recent outings. Those numbers have intensified calls for fresh faces, with many pointing to Sooryavanshi’s rising reputation as a potential solution.

Despite the criticism, Morkel stood firmly behind Samson, reminding observers of the player’s contributions and reputation within the setup.

The coach also revealed that the Indian think-tank prefers not to shuffle batters between positions unnecessarily. According to the management, continuity and role clarity remain key factors in building a successful T20 side.

The statement suggests that India’s coaching staff is focused on long-term planning rather than reacting to short-term fluctuations in form.

For Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the message is both encouraging and challenging. While the door to the national team remains open, he may need to continue proving himself and wait for the right opportunity to break into a highly competitive squad.

The teenager has already generated significant buzz with his performances at various levels, and many believe his international debut is only a matter of time. However, India’s management appears determined to ensure that any transition happens naturally rather than through pressure from outside voices.

As India prepare for another crucial clash against England, the spotlight will remain on the opening combination. A strong performance from Samson and Abhishek could silence the debate temporarily, while another disappointing outing may further fuel discussions around Sooryavanshi’s future.

For now, though, the team’s stance is clear: experience, trust, and consistency still carry significant weight in the selection room.