Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has made an impressive early impact in his short T20I career, but the young batsman may have to wait for another opportunity as India gears up for the West Indies in the five-match T20I series. Morne Morkel, the Indian bowling coach, has backed the teenage batsman and made it clear that selection in the playing XI is not certain.
The first T20I between India and the West Indies will be played in Lucknow on Tuesday, October 6. With established T20I openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma in the team, Sooryavanshi may start the series on the bench. But Morkel believes that even limited playing time can be valuable for a young player trying to establish himself at the international level.
Morkel advised Sooryavanshi to spend time with the experienced players prior to the series. The India bowling coach said that just being in the dressing room and seeing how senior cricketers prepare and approach their innings can help develop the young cricketer very well.
“We all know the talent of Vaibhav,” Morkel said. He said that spending more time in the national environment and training with quality players will help Sooryavanshi’s cricket. Even though he won't get any immediate game time, Morkel said the kid is learning from travelling with the team, sitting in the dugout, watching senior players.
Morkel wants Sooryavanshi to observe seniors.
Morkel believes young players can learn a great deal by watching how established international cricketers prepare for matches. Sooryavanshi is selected, but the coaching staff would like him to know how the senior players go about it.
As a former South African pacer, Morkel said Sooryavanshi should observe how batters approach the first few deliveries of an innings, develop game plans and adjust to different situations. Morkel believes such observations can help the young batter understand the demands of international cricket even when he is not directly involved in a match.
Young players who are under the influence of experienced teammates can ask questions and learn from them. Morkel stressed that creating the right environment is the main component for developing cricketers.
He also said the coaching staff has a responsibility to ensure young players continue to learn and grow through regular game time or wait for their opportunities. Sooryavanshi's current series could be as much about learning international experience from the sidelines as it is about making an appearance on the field.
Competition for India’s opening spots.
Sooryavanshi’s absence from the playing XI reflects the competitive nature of India’s T20I batting unit. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma both have the West Indies series in mind and will provide the team with a few options at the top of the order.
India's Shreyas Iyer will also lead the side while the team will have some other batsmen like Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube and Naman Dhir. This gives the team flexibility in deciding its selection strategy for each game.
Sooryavanshi adds another new face to the team but Morkel’s comments suggest that India is taking a long-term approach in terms of his development. Rather than rushing the youngster into every match, the coaching staff seems to be focused on getting him comfortable in the international game.
India returned after Asian Games gold.
India’s T20I team has also returned to action shortly after its Asian Games campaign. The team arrived home just three days after defending its gold medal against Pakistan in the final.
The West Indies series will give India the chance to assess its T20 options and build depth for future major events. Sooryavanshi and other young players and international players from different departments will be in the team.
India's squad includes Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Naman Dhir.
The West Indies will be led by Shai Hope, with Kamil Pooran, Amir Jangoo, Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Matthew Forde, Keemo Paul, Quentin Sampson and Shamar Springer also part of the team.
Sooryavanshi will be one of the main talking points in the Indian team as the five-match series starts. Whether he gets an immediate opportunity or spends time learning from the sidelines, Morkel thinks the experience of being around India’s senior players can help accelerate his development.
Sooryavanshi will now not only have to make sure he is in the playing XI, but he will have to make the most of every chance. The coaching staff and a lot of fellow international players are also there for him to learn from and grow.
