Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: India backing established top order amid calls to hand 15-year-old debut | Cricket News

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may have to wait a little longer for his eagerly-anticipated white-ball debut, with India focusing on strengthening rather than unsettling their star-studded top order.

Three games into their white-ball tour of Ireland and England, India have so far resisted the clamour to hand the 15-year-old batting sensation – who was the top scorer in this season’s IPL – his senior debut.

Sooryavanshi was given a watching brief throughout India’s series defeat in Ireland and Wednesday’s rain-affected T20I series opener against England in Durham.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s second T20 international at Old Trafford, live on Sky Sports, India coach Morne Morkel explained the scale of the task facing Sooryavanshi if he is to break into the reigning T20 World Cup holders’ side.

“There’s a lot of factors,” the former South Africa international told reporters when asked to explain India’s team-selection process.

“We need to respect the fact that we’ve got the number one or two batter in T20, Abhishek Sharma.

“Sanju Samson was the Player of the Tournament at the World Cup, and he had a great IPL. So, as a coaching staff, it’s only fair to show faith in and back your players.

“Yes, there’s a young man knocking on the door and it’s exciting, but not just those two players at the top, 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 if you look at it, we also don’t want to think too much and bat other players out of position.

“It’s not as straightforward as saying, ‘OK, let’s play him’. It’s a matter of backing some of the guys who’ve won World Cups and have done really well for you in tough situations.

“And then, from there, building and seeing how we can structure our top order as well as possible in these conditions.”

‘Sooryavanshi ready when opportunity comes’

Sooryavanshi’s unprecedented first senior call-up has seen the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) break its own protocols by allowing the teenager’s family to accompany him on tour, while he has also been given a separate changing room to comply with UK safeguarding regulations.

Morkel said Sooryavanshi has taken his maiden international call-up in his stride and shown no signs of being overawed, leaving India confident the 15-year-old will be ready when his opportunity comes.

“He’s fitted in very well. In terms of coming into the squad and fitting in, it’s been very smooth,” he added.

“If you follow the boys on Instagram, there’s already a lot of photos that have been posted with him, especially with the way the guys have welcomed him.

“At nets, as a 15-year-old on the international stage, it can be intimidating, but in the couple of sessions we’ve had, it’s been very impressive.

“We’re all excited to see how he goes. And when he gets that opportunity, I’m pretty sure he’ll be ready.”

England’s home series against India fixtures

• First T20 (Durham) – Match abandoned
• Second T20 (Saturday July 4) – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester (2.30pm)
• Third T20 (Tuesday July 7) – Trent Bridge, Nottingham (5.30pm)
• Fourth T20 (Thursday July 9) – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol (5.30pm)
• Fifth T20 (Saturday July 11) – Utilita Bowl, Southampton (2.30pm)
• First ODI (Tuesday July 14) – Edgbaston, Birmingham (11am)
• Second ODI (Thursday July 16) – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff (1pm)
• Third ODI (Sunday July 19) – Lord’s, London (11am)

Watch India’s white-ball tour of England, from July 1-19, live on Sky Sports. Not got Sky? Stream cricket and more with NOW.