IND vs SA ODI: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Confirmed For ODI World Cup 2027? India's Bowling Coach Morne Morkel Says...

India National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Players: India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has thrown his weight behind the thought of star players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Morkel feels that a rich share of experience in handling pressure and winning titles in the past will be incredible for the team.

Rohit and Kohli last appeared in the ODI series against Australia in October. Even though India failed to secure the ODI series, Rohit played impactful knocks as he was awarded 'Player of the Series'. His knocks included a half-century in Adelaide and a century in Sydney. Kohli had two consecutive ducks but bounced back with an unbeaten 74 in Sydney. 

“For sure, they're quality players -- as long as they're happy to put the hard work in and the fitness. I've always believed in experience, and to have that experience, you don't find it anywhere. They've won trophies, they know how to play big tournaments.”

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“So for sure, if they mentally and physically feel that their bodies can do that, it's still a long way away -- the World Cup, by all means. I've played many games against them. I've had sleepless nights, bowling to them. So I know, as a bowler, what goes through your preparation when playing against them. So for me, definitely on board with that,” said Morkel in the pre-series press conference.

He also felt a format change would help India, who are coming on the back of a 2-0 Test series defeat to the Proteas. “Obviously, it was a disappointing two weeks for us, but we had a couple of days now to reflect, and I think the important thing now is to give all our energy into the white ball team.”

“We've been playing a lot of good white ball cricket. It's a couple of new faces in, not new faces, but fresh energy into the squad now with Virat and Rohit and them coming back. So, excited for the next two and a couple of weeks now with playing white ball cricket,” he added.

Against South Africa, India will be without newly-appointed skipper Shubman Gill due to a neck injury, while vice-captain Shreyas Iyer is still on the road to recovery from a spleen injury, which needed hospitalisation in Sydney. Morkel revealed the duo are progressing well from their respective injuries.

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“We've been playing a lot of good white ball cricket. It's a couple of new faces in, not new faces, but fresh energy into the squad now with Virat and Rohit and them coming back. So, excited for the next two and a couple of weeks now with playing white ball cricket,” he added.

Inputs from Agency