Morne Morkel stated that India have moved past their 0–2 Test defeat and are focused on restarting momentum in the ODI series with the help of returning senior players.
India turns their attention to the three-match ODI series starting Sunday in Ranchi after a demanding 0–2 Test defeat to South Africa. The squad regrouped at the JSCA Stadium, where bowling coach Morne Morkel stressed the need for a quick shift from red-ball setbacks to white-ball goals. He acknowledged that switching formats tests players mentally, but he backed the group to adjust and regain control of the tour.
Morkel highlighted that India have delivered consistent performances in limited-overs cricket over recent years and urged the team to channel full energy into the upcoming week.
“It was a disappointing two weeks for us, but we had a couple of days now to reflect,” Morkel said before India’s first practice session at the JSCA Stadium.
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“The important thing now is to give all our energy to the white-ball team. We’ve been playing a lot of good white-ball cricket over the last couple of years. I’m excited for the next couple of weeks. Representing India comes first, regardless of format,” he continued.
“A change into coloured clothing and a change of ball brings different energy. But South Africa have momentum, and a confident Protea side is dangerous. For us, it’s important to start well over the next week or two and put the last couple of weeks behind us,” Morkel added.
Morkel Dismisses Talk of Using ODIs as T20 World Cup Prep
Morne Morkel then dismissed suggestions that the ODI series would serve only as preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup, stressing that representing India demands full commitment in every format. He also welcomed the return of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, noting that their presence adds stability and experience as India look to reset the tour’s direction.
“Preparation for the T20 World Cup is one thing, but every time you put on an India jersey, you represent a lot of people, the fans waiting outside the gates, cheering us on. For me, the focus is to bring momentum back into the Indian dressing room after a disappointing two weeks, and the way to do that is to play good, solid white-ball cricket,” the coach concluded.
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