{
  "id": 12295020,
  "title": "How Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is challenged by Morne Morkel when he is left out of playing XI",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/how-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-is-challenged-by-morne-morkel-when-he-is",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T04:04:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/vaibhav-sooryavanshi-challenged-morne-morkel-india-west-indies-playing-xi-10908328/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old cricketer who made waves with his big-hitting skills during the 2022 IPL, is currently facing challenges from Indian team management. Despite his immense talent, the teenager remains in the early stages of his development, and Morne Morkel, the Indian bowling coach, is determined to push Sooryavanshi in every possible way. Morkel believes that being part of the team, even without a spot in the playing XI, is beneficial for Sooryavanshi's growth.\n\nMorkel firmly states that being on the bus, in the dugout, and in the hotel with experienced players is just as important as playing matches. He engages Sooryavanshi in conversations about his performance in training, his game plans against tough wickets, and encourages him to ask questions, thus fostering growth and learning. Morkel asserts that he cannot confirm whether Sooryavanshi will open for India in all five T20Is against the West Indies, as Head Coach Gautam Gambhir has hinted that the teenager will have to wait for his opportunities. Sooryavanshi has so far played eight T20Is, with a strike rate of 186.16 and an average of 30.75 from 246 runs. Hence, Morkel anticipates that India's openers will be rotated, allowing Sooryavanshi ample time to hone his skills and prepare for the upcoming series.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, 15, excels in big-hitting during 2022 IPL.",
    "Morne Morkel pushes Sooryavanshi despite lack of playing XI spot.",
    "Being on team beneficial for Sooryavanshi's growth and learning."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Morne Morkel's guidance helps Vaibhav Sooryavanshi grow as a cricketer even without a spot in the playing XI, allowing him to learn from experienced players and prepare for future opportunities.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}