Gold Coast: India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel emphasized the importance of finding the right team balance as India fine-tunes its preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Speaking after India’s defeat in the third T20I against Australia, Morkel said the team management is working tirelessly to identify the best combination before the global event.
The five-match T20I series is finely poised, with the fourth game scheduled for Thursday at the Carrara Oval. The opening match was washed out, India bounced back with a win in the second T20I, and Australia levelled the series with victory in the third.
Reflecting on the team’s performance and selection approach, Morkel acknowledged the challenges of settling on the right mix of players.
“There will always be disappointment when it comes to selection, but that’s something beyond control at times,” Morkel said ahead of the fourth T20I. “We keep reminding players to train hard and stay ready for their opportunity. With only a few matches left before the World Cup, it’s vital for us to assess how players handle pressure situations. These games help us identify who can deliver when it matters most.”
When asked if experimenting with combinations—even at the cost of short-term results—was a priority, Morkel agreed, noting that adaptability is key for success in modern T20 cricket.
“Every team around the world is trying out different options,” he said. “While we have a fair idea of one or two combinations, it’s crucial to remain flexible and understand what roles each player can perform. You can only find that out by testing them in pressure situations.”
Morkel concluded by underlining the need for a thorough approach ahead of the World Cup.
“With the tournament around the corner, we don’t want to leave any stone unturned,” he said. “You don’t want to look back two years later and think, ‘if only we had tried that combination.’ It’s about being smart and giving every potential setup a fair chance.”
