In order to face a “dangerous, confident” Proteas outfit, India bowling coach Morne Morkel stated that the team must swiftly reset and refocus on white-ball cricket after suffering a devastating Test series loss to South Africa.
After losing Tests in Kolkata and Guwahati and suffering a humiliating 0-2 whitewash against South Africa, India enters the three-match ODI series.
Prior to Sunday’s series opening in Ranchi, Morkel stated that switching from Test to white-ball forms is mentally taxing but that the team was committed to making the change.
“It was a disappointing two weeks for us, but we had a couple of days now to reflect,” Morkel said before the team’s first practice session at the JSCA stadium in Ranchi.
“The important thing now is to give all our energy into the white-ball team. We’ve been playing a lot of good white-ball cricket over the last couple of years. I’m excited for the next couple of weeks. Representing India comes first, regardless of format,” he said .
Morkel cautioned that South Africa will be highly optimistic after winning the Test series.
“A change into coloured clothing and a change of ball brings different energy. But South Africa have momentum, and a confident Protea side is dangerous. For us, it’s important to start well over the next week or two and put the last couple of weeks behind us.”
With the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, Morkel rejected the notion of treating the ODI series as mere preparation for the marquee tournament.
“Preparation for the T20 World Cup is one thing, but every time you put on an India jersey, you represent a lot of people, the fans waiting outside the gates, cheering us on,” he said.
“For me, the focus is to bring momentum back into the Indian dressing room after a disappointing two weeks, and the way to do that is to play good, solid white-ball cricket,” he added that he was thrilled to see veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma return to the team.
When asked if Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul would play together in the starting lineup, Morkel avoided discussing selection.
“My department is bowling,” he said. “I don’t get involved in selection. We’ve got selectors and the captain to handle that.”
Morkel stated that Ranchi’s conditions necessitated careful evaluation because the matches were scheduled to be played under lights.
“Yesterday when I stepped off the plane, it was much colder. It’ll be interesting to see what the ball does in the evenings. We’re practising under lights today, so that will give us a good indication.”
Regarding the possible balance between spin and pace all-rounders, he continued: “The wicket looks a very good surface, almost South African-like. Discussions on combinations will happen tonight. We’ll have to wait and see after training.”
As Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill recover from injury, Morkel confirmed positive updates.
“I spoke to Shubman two days ago just to check in, and he’s recovering well,” he said. “Shreyas has started his rehab, which is great. We’re looking forward to welcoming them back. The good thing is they are healthy and preparing their way back into the team.”
Morkel claimed that the ODI series gave second line quicks like Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna a big opening because some veterans were rested.
“It’s a great opportunity for Arshdeep, Harshit and Prasidh. They’re going to play against a quality batting lineup… all those guys have played plenty of white ball cricket, this is an aggressive brand of cricket they are playing.
“It’ll be a good test to see how they handle pressure, bowl at the death, take wickets. White-ball cricket is about taking wickets, and I’m excited for them to get a good run.”
When asked if veterans Kohli and Rohit would make a comeback for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Morkel responded that experience was still crucial.
“I’ve always believed in experience — you don’t find it anywhere else. They’ve won trophies; they know how to play big tournaments. If they feel mentally and physically ready, it’s not a long way away.”
