Abhishek Sharma to be dropped for India vs England clash? Morne Morkel finally breaks silence

There has been much dilemma on whether Abhishek Sharma should play for India against England in the upcoming semi-final clash. Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel has provided just the right update on the explosive left-handed batters' selection for the upcoming match.

India will take on England in the second semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. This will be the third consecutive time in a T20 World Cup that India and England are clashing in a knockout contest and eyeing a spot in the finals.

England lost their only game against the West Indies during the group stage, while they remained undefeated in the Super 8 stage. However, India's only defeat came against South Africa in the Super 8.

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"It's a fresh page for him tomorrow," Morkel's words hint at Abhishek Sharma's retention in the playing XI

Abhishek Sharma has been in terrible form in the World Cup for India. The no. 1-ranked T20I batter for India until this World Cup, Abhishek Sharma, has undergone a rough patch, and it has led to an intense debate on his place in the playing XI.

Sharma has been handed sufficient opportunities. Having played in 6 matches in the World Cup, he has three ducks and has amassed 80 runs, with 55 of those coming against Zimbabwe. With Sanju Samson's return to form and Ishan Kishan keeping up his fine touch, Abhishek is almost a burden in the Indian lineup.

However, Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel doesn't feel so, as he has backed the left-handed opener, citing the England game as an empty canvas for Abhishek to come in and do well, much as Samson did after a long patch of poor form.

"Sanju found himself in a similar situation, it's a good growth and learning for Abhishek. It's a fresh page for him tomorrow and an opportunity to go out there and do well," opined Morkel.

Morne Morkel makes a pitch prediction at the Wankhede Stadium

Morne Morkel, the Indian bowling coach, has freely opined that they still have no idea of how the pitch would behave at the Wankhede Stadium. He predicted that it's hotter and the wicket should not be allowed to dry too much.

"We have kept our bases covered; team selection will be decided on how the pitch is looking on game day," said Morkel. He also went on to mention, how England are street smart and are dangerous due to its deep batting strength. Morkel also predicted that in the clash between the two dangerous teams, the one that assesses the conditions well will come out on top.

"The pitch has been watered. It's still soft, so it's difficult to read up on it right now. But if it's a high-scoring game, we need to up our standards," once again opined Morkel. He further added that dew will also be a huge concern here, as no one can control the toss.

"He's highly skillful and hard to pick." - Morne Morkel on Varun Chakravarthy

The Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel has started addressing the concerns surrounding Varun Chakravarthy, the in-form Indian leg-spinner. He has been spotted alongside the Indian bowler and the assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate, and the fielding coach T Dilip, conducting some special sessions.

Morkel backed Varun for his variations and said that only his length needs to be controlled, giving him high confidence.

"With his (Varun) skill and variations, he can always pick a wicket. He's highly skilled and hard to pick. It's all about getting his length controlled, giving him confidence. He always wants to be a match-winner for the team, so he puts himself under pressure," observed Morne Morkel.

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