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Amid the growing buzz over Rohit Sharma's ODI future, the India National Cricket Team’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, has extended his full support behind the former captain ahead of the third and final ODI against England at Lord's on Sunday, July 19.
Rohit Sharma has been facing intense scrutiny over his form and his place in India's ODI side. However, Morkel has made it clear that the Indian team management is not worried about his numbers. Amid, Rohit Sharma-Gautam Gambhir equation took massive turn during Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Morne Morkel breaks silence on Rohit Sharma amid retirement and form concerns
The bowling coach believes that Rohit's experience makes him one of India's biggest strengths, and he is confident that the opener knows how to deal with tough phases and will soon return to his best. He stressed that Rohit gives confidence and stability to the entire batting line-up.
Morne Morkel said in the pre-match press conference at Lord’s as quoted by Cricbuzz: “Rohit, as I said earlier, it is hard work with a new ball up front. We have seen that in the entire series. The ball is moving around."
"So, batting up front, it is not easy. No doubt Rohit will work it out. He has done it in the past. He is experienced. And he just brings that calmness to the batting line-up. So, without a doubt, no worries and concerns at all with the way he is going about things.”
Morkel says Team India keeps all options open for Lord's ODI after Washington Sundar ruled out
India are set to make at least one change for the third and final ODI against England at Lord's after Washington Sundar was ruled out with a hamstring injury. And Morne Morkel revealed that every player in the squad is still in contention for the series decider.
He said the team management will first study the Lord's pitch and weather conditions before deciding the final playing XI. The bowling coach further added, “I think as I sit here, all options are on the table. We literally arrived here now half an hour ago.
So, I am pretty sure Gautam (Gambhir) will have a look at the surface, and they probably will announce 12 or 13 guys and then tomorrow make the final call in terms of overhead and in terms of what we see then. But yeah, I think at the moment all the players are still in line for selection for tomorrow.” Amid this, Kapil Dev pays tribute to Garry Sobers, shares verdict on Gautam Gambhir's tenure.
Morne Morkel defends India's bowlers despite Cardiff defeat
Morkel also defended India's bowling performance in the second ODI at Cardiff despite the defeat. England successfully chased 234, but the bowling coach felt the Indian bowlers did a good job and stuck to their plans throughout the innings.
The bowling coach praised the bowlers for their performance in the second ODI, saying they bowled with good pace and hit the right areas consistently. He said Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar were picked for extra bounce, but Joe Root's brilliant innings made the difference.
Morkel said, “I thought, to be honest with you, the way we bowled in the last game was exceptional. Crucial it is to get those wickets in the middle phase of the game. So, in terms of tomorrow, how are we going to go about it? We have got a couple of plans in place, and hopefully it will all work.”
