Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Morkel Backs Sooryavanshi Despite No West Indies T20I Guarantee
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is a young Indian cricket player who has started his T20I career well.
India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, says Sooryavanshi might not play in the first matches against the West Indies.
Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are expected to open the batting.
Morkel says Sooryavanshi can still learn while sitting with the team.
He can watch how experienced players train and plan their innings.
He can also ask them questions.
Morkel believes this can help the youngster improve.
India’s players arrived home after winning the Asian Games cricket final against Pakistan.
India bowling coach Morne Morkel said Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may have to wait for his chance in the West Indies T20Is.
Regular openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are expected to open, potentially leaving Sooryavanshi on the bench.
Morkel said time with experienced players and observing their training and batting processes can help the youngster develop.
He encouraged Sooryavanshi to ask questions, observe teammates, and learn whether or not he gets playing time.
India’s squad returned after defending its Asian Games gold against Pakistan three days earlier.
- Who
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, India bowling coach Morne Morkel, and the Indian T20I squad.
- What
- Morkel said Sooryavanshi may have to wait for playing time in the West Indies T20Is, while backing the value of learning from experienced teammates.
- When
- The comments came on the eve of the series opener, scheduled for Tuesday, October 6; the year is not stated.
- Where
- Lucknow is scheduled to host the series opener.
- Why
- Morkel said Sooryavanshi can develop by training with, observing, and asking questions of experienced players, even if he does not play.
- India bowling coach
- Morne Morkel
- Young batter
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Expected openers
- Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma
- Series
- India-West Indies T20Is
- Series opener venue
- Lucknow
- India's recent result
- Defended its Asian Games gold against Pakistan in the final three days before arriving home, according to the article.
- Sooryavanshi's squad status
- Named in India's T20I squad; Morkel gave no guarantee of playing time.