Queensland, Nov 5 (UNI) As the countdown to the T20 World Cup begins, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel spoke with the calm conviction of a man who knows that preparation, not panic, defines champions. In a phase where combinations are being tested and rotations questioned, Morkel struck a reassuring note – the team’s focus is on clarity, communication, and adaptability, not confusion.
Asked specifically about pacer Arshdeep Singh’s absence from the playing eleven and how such conversations are handled, Morkel’s reply was both measured and mature. “Arshdeep understands that we’re trying out different combinations,” he said.
“He’s a worldclass bowler and knows his value to the team. Sometimes it’s about testing new setups. For the World Cup, we want to balance winning with giving chances- and with only one more game against South Africa, we must experiment wisely.”
The emphasis, he said, is on being proactive rather than reactive – building a squad that can handle any situation once the World Cup begins. “It’s never easy – there’s always disappointment around selection,” Morkel admitted.
“But players also know some things are beyond their control. We just ask them to train hard and be ready. With limited matches before the World Cup, it’s about seeing how they respond under pressure. Getting the right combination is far more important right now.”
His words carried the rhythm of experience – the voice of someone who has played under the weight of big tournaments and understands that not every bowler’s journey follows the same arc. Morkel’s message to India’s pace unit was clear: trust the process, stay ready, and embrace the experimentation.
He reflected on how, across formats and teams worldwide, adaptability has become the most valued currency. “Every side is trying out options,” he said. “Adaptability is vital. You don’t want to sit two years down the line and say, ‘If only we had tried that.’ It’s about leaving no stone unturned.”
That line- deliberate, firm, and laced with conviction- summed up India’s present approach. The goal is not to avoid mistakes but to ensure none are left untested before the global stage.
Even as he discussed specifics of bowling plans and combinations, Morkel pointed to the maturity of the Indian group in reading conditions. “Once we arrive at a venue, the players quickly assess the dimensions — it actually simplifies planning,” he explained.
“They’re experienced enough to adjust their game based on boundary sizes and pitch behaviour. Our focus is on reading what the surface offers and identifying the best bowling options accordingly.”
On the fitness front, Morkel provided an update on allrounder Nitesh Kumar Reddy, indicating steady progress. “He’s completed all his expected workload — fielding, batting, bowling — and we’ll assess him shortly to confirm his match readiness,” he said.
The subtext through all of Morkel’s answers was unmistakable — India’s preparation is being built on trust and transparency. Rotations are not a signal of doubt but of depth. For players like Arshdeep Singh, understanding that philosophy is as important as executing yorkers in the death overs.
Morkel’s tone mirrored that of a dressing room in control — focused on refining, not redefining. The process is deliberate: experiment now, so that when the lights blaze at the World Cup, India’s bowlers are battle-tested, calm, and adaptable.
For Morkel, this is the bridge between planning and performance. “We don’t want to look back after two years and say ‘if only’,” he said earlier, with the quiet steel of a coach who has seen both triumph and heartbreak.
And in that single line lies the essence of India’s campaign — a team looking ahead, learning fast, and leaving nothing to chance.
