Is Pakistan's Recent Cricket Performance a Cause for Concern?

Dubai, Sep 8 (NationPress) The bowling coach for India, Morne Morkel, emphasized that the team will not underestimate any competitor as they gear up for the Men's T20 Asia Cup. He highlighted the significance of showing respect to all teams while maintaining a strong focus on their own capabilities.

India's Group A journey kicks off against the UAE in Dubai on September 10, followed by matches against their long-standing rivals, Pakistan, and Oman on September 14 and 19, taking place in Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively.

“Absolutely, they have improved significantly in their cricket. They have exhibited a commendable style of play recently, and we are eager for the challenge ahead. We approach this with respect towards all our opponents, and this will be no different for them,” stated Morkel.

“Our preparation is thorough. We have a clear idea of the brand and style of cricket we intend to play. It’s crucial we concentrate on our game rather than worrying excessively about the opposition. We will analyze their strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately, we focus on what we can control—our intensity and execution,” Morkel mentioned during a press briefing at the ICC Academy.

Discussing their preparations since arriving in Dubai, Morkel, who previously served as Pakistan's bowling coach, remarked, “The weather has been hot and humid, but enjoyable. Our white-ball squad is quite dynamic and has been performing well. Thus far, our build-up has been excellent, and I anticipate the first match with excitement.”

With the T20I team reconvening after their 4-1 T20I series triumph over England in January, Morkel noted that the focus has been on enhancing practice intensity to mirror match conditions.

“That’s a valid point, but we need to ensure that our training is executed at a high intensity. Once the players don the Indian jersey, it’s all about preparing for the match. I am confident that when the time comes, they will be ready to perform and deliver for the team,” he stated.

“T20 cricket tends to bring teams closer. It's essential for us to quickly understand the playing conditions and how the pitch will behave. Tonight, we’ll assess the surface for the first time, and from there, it’s about adapting,” he added.

“Our players have ample T20 experience, each with unique strengths. The challenge now is how swiftly we can adapt to the conditions and execute our strategies,” he expressed.

The Indian management is committed to encouraging all-rounders and part-timers to contribute with the ball, providing more options for captain Suryakumar Yadav. “I believe it’s crucial to develop talents like Shivam Dube, who can bowl four overs. I always advocate for all-rounders to refine both their batting and bowling skills. It’s vital in this environment to leave no stone unturned,” he affirmed.

“On match day, someone will be required to step up, and the conditions might suit them better than others. It’s about professionalism and readiness to deliver quality performance when Surya calls upon you,” he concluded.

“When defining roles in T20 cricket, the scoreboard is key. As a bowler, it’s essential to discern whether the priority is taking wickets or maintaining pressure with dot balls. The more players who can offer the captain options for quick overs, the better positioned we are,” he elaborated.

“Certainly, we will have our primary bowlers to lead the attack. However, developing part-time players to fulfill specific roles greatly enhances our selection options and combinations. It’s important for players to continually hone their skills to improve,” he wrapped up.