Despite holding a commanding two-nil lead in the ongoing T20I series, Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel has issued a firm directive to his unit: it is time to elevate their standards. While the team successfully chased down 226 in the opener and clinched a thrilling penultimate-ball victory in the second encounter, Morkel remains focused on the areas where the bowling execution fell short of expectations. In a chase of 181, the visitors had kickstarted the series by chasing down 226 in the first T20I and then clinched a win off the penultimate ball in the second.
Reflecting on the performances, Morkel noted that the par score on the recent Christchurch surface likely sat between 180 and 190. He admitted that his bowlers struggled with execution during specific phases and occasionally made questionable decisions. However, the coach emphasized that the team is currently in a phase of learning, where players are encouraged to trust their instincts while the management provides guidance on refining those spells. He praised the ground staff for producing high-scoring wickets, noting that when both sides cross the 200-run mark, it serves as a testament to the quality of the surface. “If you look at the par score with the previous venue [Christchurch], I think it’s about 180-190, if I understand correctly,” Morkel said. “I felt in game one, our execution in certain phases wasn’t as good as I would ha. Certain balls, decision-making, I think in terms of options, wasn’t the right call, with that also. In a big field, you potentially can [take extra runs], sometimes in a big venue. No, but the boundaries are big, people always say. Your space of what you can hit becomes bigger. “As management staff, we can be slightly more lenient in that first couple of games with a travelling schedule, jet lag. But for us, it is about looking forward to that challenge and taking it head on and not really making excuses.
Addressing the challenges of the current tour, Morkel acknowledged that early-series struggles with jet lag and travel schedules were understandable, but he maintained that those excuses are no longer valid. As the team prepares for the third match in Wellington on Tuesday, the focus has shifted entirely to execution. Morkel highlighted the unique difficulty posed by the local conditions, specifically the intense wind, which he described as a different beast that can affect everything from a batsman’s stance to a bowler’s rhythm at the crease. “This is a different beast, this wind,” Morkel admitted, a day ahead of the contest. “I was in the hotel this morning and the whole building was sort of shaking.
The coach stressed that players must use their limited training window to acclimatize to these environmental factors, as match time will require complete mental focus. By removing the burden of external expectations, he hopes the bowlers will prioritize delivering each ball with purpose rather than dwelling on the conditions. The objective now is to ensure the team performs those vital one-percenters with greater precision as the series progresses. Morkel believes the players would need to get adjusted to the windy conditions to be able to put their best foot forward.
Morkel also used the opportunity to publicly back veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Returning to the international stage after a four-year hiatus, Bhuvneshwar has found the going tough, conceding 99 runs in eight overs for a single wicket. Morkel expressed sympathy for the bowler, noting that transitioning from the high performance of the IPL to international cricket involves fine margins and limited preparation time. “I’ve got a lot of sympathy for his return,” Morkel said. “The reason why I say that is, there will be expectation after four years to come out. With a quick turnaround, it’s going to be a new sort of thing that we add to our books for the guys to get used to and accustomed with. He’s done exceptionally well in the IPL.
The message to the veteran has been simple: stop chasing results and just be himself. Morkel is confident that Bhuvneshwar’s skill and experience remain intact, but he requires time to settle back into the rhythm of the international game. By encouraging him to block out the noise and focus on his natural game, the management believes that his returns will naturally improve as he adjusts to the demands of the current environment.
