Nonetheless smarting from the bruising Check sequence defeat towards South Africa, India bowling coach Morne Morkel mentioned the squad has to shortly reset and refocus on white-ball cricket, as regaining momentum is crucial to counter a “harmful, assured” Proteas unit.
India are coming into the three-match ODI sequence following an embarrassing 0-2 whitewash towards South Africa, shedding Assessments in Kolkata and Guwahati.
Talking forward of the sequence opener right here on Sunday, Morkel mentioned the turnaround from Assessments to white ball codecs is mentally demanding however insisted the group was decided to do this shift.
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“It was a disappointing two weeks for us, however we had a few days now to replicate,” Morkel mentioned earlier than the staff’s first follow session on the JSCA stadium.
“The essential factor now’s to present all our vitality into the white-ball staff. We’ve been taking part in numerous good white-ball cricket during the last couple of years. I’m excited for the subsequent couple of weeks,” he mentioned.
Rohit Sharma throughout web follow forward of the primary ODI cricket match towards South Africa on the JSCA stadium in Ranchi.
| Photograph Credit score:
R.V. Moorthy
Rohit Sharma throughout web follow forward of the primary ODI cricket match towards South Africa on the JSCA stadium in Ranchi.
| Photograph Credit score:
R.V. Moorthy
SA have momentum; we want a powerful begin
Morkel warned that South Africa — recent from their Check sequence win — could be buoyant.
“A become colored clothes and a change of ball brings completely different vitality. However South Africa have momentum, and a assured Protea facet is harmful. For us, it’s essential to start out nicely over the subsequent week or two and put the final couple of weeks behind us.” Whereas the 2026 T20 World Cup looms giant, Morkel dismissed the concept of utilizing the ODI sequence merely as preparation for the marquee occasion.
“Preparation for the T20 World Cup is one factor, however each time you placed on an India jersey, you signify lots of people, the followers ready outdoors the gates, cheering us on,” he mentioned.
“For me, the main target is to deliver momentum again into the Indian dressing room after a disappointing two weeks, and the best way to do this is to play good, strong white-ball cricket,” he mentioned, including that he was excited to have veterans like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to be again within the squad.
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Requested whether or not each KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant would characteristic collectively within the XI, Morkel stayed away from choice issues.
“My division is bowling,” he mentioned. “I don’t get entangled in choice. We’ve received selectors and the captain to deal with that.”
Cooler Ranchi evenings and seam vs spin steadiness
With the matches scheduled below lights, Morkel mentioned circumstances in Ranchi required cautious evaluation.
“Yesterday after I stepped off the airplane, it was a lot colder. It’ll be attention-grabbing to see what the ball does within the evenings. We’re practising below lights at present, so that may give us an excellent indication.” On the potential steadiness between tempo and spin all-rounders, he added: “The wicket appears to be like an excellent floor, nearly South African-like. Discussions on combos will occur tonight. We’ll have to attend and see after coaching.”
Staff India had a full-fledged coaching session in Ranchi forward of the firsrt ODI towards South Africa.
| Photograph Credit score:
R.V. Moorthy
Staff India had a full-fledged coaching session in Ranchi forward of the firsrt ODI towards South Africa.
| Photograph Credit score:
R.V. Moorthy
Gill and Iyer progressing nicely
Morkel confirmed encouraging updates on Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer as they work their method again from accidents.
“I spoke to Shubman two days in the past simply to test in, and he’s recovering nicely,” he mentioned.
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“Shreyas has began his rehab, which is nice. We’re trying ahead to welcoming them again. The great factor is they’re wholesome and getting ready their method again into the staff.”
Large likelihood for youthful bowlers
With a number of seniors rested, Morkel mentioned the ODI sequence offered a major opening for second line quicks like Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna.
“It’s a terrific alternative for Arshdeep, Harshit and Prasidh. They’re going to play towards a high quality batting lineup… all these guys have performed loads of white ball cricket, that is an aggressive model of cricket they’re taking part in.
“It’ll be an excellent check to see how they deal with strain, bowl on the dying, take wickets. White ball cricket is about taking wickets, and I’m excited for them to get an excellent run.” Requested about the potential for veterans like Kohli and Rohit returning for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Morkel mentioned expertise remained invaluable.
“I’ve all the time believed in expertise — you don’t discover it wherever else. They’ve gained trophies; they know the way to play massive tournaments. In the event that they really feel mentally and bodily prepared, it’s not a great distance away.”
Revealed on Nov 28, 2025