"Always putting him under pressure": Morne Morkel's bold remarks on Virat Kohli, Nitish Kumar Reddy

As India gears up for the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, batting superstar Virat Kohli and emerging talent Nitish Kumar Reddy are in the spotlight. Ahead of the first Test in Perth, Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel has shed light on the crucial roles both players will play in the upcoming five-match Test series in Australia.

Morne Morkel emphasized that Virat Kohli’s leadership as a senior player is more than just about tactical decisions, saying it's about the sheer intensity and professionalism he brings to the field. According to the bowling coach, Kohli’s intense and aggressive approach in the nets serves as a masterclass for younger players to follow, setting a benchmark for excellence.

Morne Morkel lauds Virat Kohli’s leadership and impact on young Indian players ahead of Australia Tests

With the former Indian captain setting the bar high, the former South African pacer on Wednesday, November 20, highlighted how witnessing Virat Kohli’s relentless drive directly will inspire the next generation of Indian cricketers to push their limits and take their games to a whole new level.

Read Also: Virat Kohli insulted, discarded in importance by Josh Hazlewood

Morne Morkel said at the press conference in Perth: “The intensity and professionalism Virat Kohli brings is top, always putting him under pressure in the nets. For youngsters to witness that, it'll take their game to a different level.”

On the rise of Nitish Kumar Reddy, Morne Morkel expressed his excitement for the young all-rounder’s impact in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia. He noted that Reddy’s explosive batting and ability to bowl tight, wicket-to-wicket spells and versatility will be an invaluable asset for the Indian cricket team on the Australia tour.

Morne Morkel hails Nitish Kumar Reddy as a key player for India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Furthermore, Morkel pointed out that Reddy could be a game-changer for the Indian cricket team in the high-voltage five-match Test series against the formidable Australian side.

The Indian bowling coach also highlighted the importance of Nitish Kumar Reddy’s potential to complement the pacers, which makes him a player to watch out for in the Test series.

Read Also: Watch: Pat Cummins destroys team India; ridicules and mocks Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma

With the pressure on the premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah to utilize their resources effectively, Morkel reckoned that India has now a formidable all-rounder in the making in Reddy, who can turn heads and play a crucial role in the team’s success during the upcoming fiercely competitive Test series in Australia.

Morkel further said: “He is one of the young guys. Batting all-round ability. He'll be one guy who can hold one end for us, especially for the first couple of days. Wicket-to-wicket bowler. Any team in the world would want an all-rounder who can help the pacers. It'll be on Jasprit how he uses them. Definitely a guy to keep an eye on in the series.”

Will Shubman Gill play the Perth Test?

At the end, Morkel revealed that Shubman Gill is improving on a day-by-day basis, and they will take the final call on Friday morning in Perth. However, they are hoping to see Gill back in action in Perth.