Morkel: Everybody has an ‘X’ factor in Indian team
Bowling coach Morne Morkel said he was encouraged by the depth and versatility within the Indian squad, stressing that clear communication around roles remains a key focus for the coaching group.
“With the 11 that we can pick on match day, we’ve got 11 match winners. Everybody has got a certain ‘X’ factor about them. They know that there’s no guarantee of being the 11. It’s about who’s suited best for the conditions and how we can help the team win at the end of the day,” he said.
Morkel heaped praise on Jasprit Bumrah, highlighting the importance of support and communication beyond technical input for the 32-year-old pace spearhead.
“Jasprit is the best bowler in the world. But at the end of the day, everybody needs somebody to talk to. There’s always a lot of expectation on him to go and bowl that magical spell and win the game for us. Sometimes, that burden can take its toll,” he explained.
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“Having played the game and knowing a lot of the greats in the past that I played with, we all just need somebody to communicate with. I always check in with Bumrah to make sure he’s comfortable and if he agrees with the plans we’ve made. He’s like a Ferrari car. If you can get the engine, the oil and all of that running well, the car will perform.”
He added that the Men in Blue’s variety in bowling resources also gives them a tactical edge.
“It’s a luxury that we have a handful of bowlers that can bowl in every situation. Part of the thinking for us leading into the World Cup was to look at different sorts of combinations. We don’t want teams to have set plans against us.”
Published on Jan 27, 2026
