India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel revealed that the team management is eager for batters to sharpen their bowling skills in the T20 format, similar to what is seen in Tests and ODIs. Morkel explained that having batters who can also contribute with the ball provides greater flexibility when shaping the playing XI.
After a successful Test series in England, India will now shift focus to the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled in the UAE from September 9 to 28. The Men in Blue are set to kick off their campaign against the hosts UAE in Dubai on Wednesday, September 10.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Morkel underlined the value of multi-dimensional players in modern cricket. When asked if certain individuals had been assigned specialized roles, he responded:
“When it comes to roles in T20 cricket, first you look at the scoreboard. As a bowler, you need to tell yourself that it is important now to take wickets or squeeze in a couple of dot balls. But, the more guys that can give the captain options, it’s obviously a great position to have.”
“Yes, we will have our frontline guys who are going to attack. But, if we can keep on developing part-time guys to do the job, that gives us so many options in terms of combination for selection. It’s important that once guys have those sort of skills, they keep on working on it and get better,” the former Proteas pacer added.
“Kuldeep Understands His Preparation Well For T20s” – Morne Morkel
Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist-spinner, went through the entire five-match Test series in England without getting a game. Although he has been included in India’s T20I squad for the Asia Cup, questions remain about whether he will feature in the starting XI. Speaking about Kuldeep, bowling coach Morne Morkel lauded the seasoned spinner’s mindset and remarked:
“He’s a very professional athlete. His attitude since England, where he received hardly any game time… Kuldeep has bowled a lot of overs in his career. He knows what to do to get himself ready for T20 cricket. When we train, we have focus; there’s a purpose behind it. We have goals and from there it’s up to them to go out and lead with the ball.”
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