India bowling coach Morne Morkel has voiced strong support for Varun Chakaravarthy ahead of the Super Eight clash against South Africa. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Morkel described Varun as a crucial strike option who has consistently delivered with the ball, both in the ongoing T20 World Cup and in the build-up to the tournament.
“Varun is obviously a strike bowler for us. He’s done really well in the World Cup so far, even before the World Cup. He’s a go-to guy for us with Bumrah and the other bowlers who can take wickets,” Morkel said. Varun has been one of India’s standout performers, picking up nine wickets in four matches at an impressive average of 6.88. As the current World No. 1 T20I bowler and the second-highest wicket-taker in the competition, he has played a key role in India’s unbeaten run in Group A.
Importance Of Collective Bowling Effort
While praising Varun’s impact, Morkel emphasised that his success depends heavily on the support from the rest of the bowling attack, including spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. He explained that early pressure created by fellow bowlers allows strike bowlers like Varun to attack more freely and produce breakthroughs.
“You also need guys to set the tone up front. You need your other three, four guys to create that pressure, to bowl together in partnerships for Varun to really be effective and to help him out,” he explained. Morkel also acknowledged the mental challenges that come with expectations. “It’s like a top-order batter. I think sometimes he also feels the pressure that he wants to try too many things,” he added.
He stressed the importance of patience and clarity in execution. “He wants to be the guy to break the partnership or to put us on the front foot, to give us that momentum. It’s important to have those conversations for him, not to try to rush it. Things will happen if he lands the ball, if he bowls at the right pace,” Morkel said.
He further reminded that cricket is a team effort. “It’s also important for him to understand that he’s not alone on the field. I think that’s been good for us so far, to get that bowling group unit around him, and they work well together. In terms of his preparation, he’s a student of the game,” Morkel added.
Sundar’s Return Boosts Team Combination
Morkel also spoke about Washington Sundar, whose return from injury has strengthened India’s options heading into the Super 8 stage. The Netherlands match was seen as the ideal opportunity to ease him back into competitive cricket.
“It was a perfect opportunity to allow Washington Sundar to play. Obviously, coming back from injury. So I can say that he passed that game with flying colours, recovered well the next day. So again, leading into the Super 8s now gives us a lot more options in terms of combinations and ways we can set up and go with. Looking forward to it in the tournament,” Morkel said.
With an unbeaten group-stage campaign behind them, the defending champions now prepare for a high-intensity contest against South Africa on February 22 as they aim to carry their strong bowling momentum into the next phase.
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