I have had sleepless nights bowling to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel

Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel has opened up on the Indian talismanic batting duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma representing India at the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

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Speaking in the pre-series press conference, Morkel asserted that they are quality players and they know how to play major tournaments. He went on to state that if they maintain their fitness, they would make it to the mega event. 

“Sure, they are quality players. As long as they are happy to put the hard work in and maintain fitness. I have always believed that to have that experience, you can’t find it anywhere. They have won trophies, they know how to play big tournaments. For sure, if they maintain their fitness and they physically feel their bodies can do that It’s still a long way away, the World Cup. By all means (yes)," Morne Morkel said in the pre-series press conference.

“I have played many games against them, I have had sleepless nights bowling to them. I know, as a bowler, what goes through your preparation playing against them. So, for me, I am definitely on board with that," he added.

Furthermore, Morkel also reckoned that it was a disappointing end to the Test series as India suffered a 0-2 whitewash to South Africa at home. However, they would be aiming to bounce back stronger in white-ball cricket with the comeback of Rohit and Kohli into the ODI squad.

“It was a disappointing two weeks for us. But we have had a couple of days to reflect. The important thing is to keep all our energy towards the white-ball team. We have been playing good white-ball cricket. A couple of fresh energy into the squad with Virat and Rohit coming back. Excited for the next couple of weeks playing white-ball cricket,” the bowling coach concluded. 

India will lock horns with South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match series, starting on Sunday, November 30, in Ranchi.

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