Bowling Coach Backs Veteran Stars for Future Glory
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has expressed strong confidence that legendary batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli possess the capability to represent India in the 2027 ICC World Cup. This significant endorsement comes just before India's opening ODI match against South Africa, where both seasoned players are scheduled to participate.
Experience and Success in Major Tournaments
Morkel, who assumed the role of India's bowling coach in August, emphasized the invaluable experience and proven track record both players bring to high-pressure situations. "They're quality players. As long as they're happy to put the hard work in and the fitness, sure," Morkel stated. He firmly believes that if both athletes feel mentally and physically prepared, they can undoubtedly feature in the tournament scheduled for 2027.
Highlighting their impact from a bowler's perspective, Morkel added, "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 playing against them. So for me, definitely on board with that." He stressed that the kind of experience they possess, having won major trophies and understanding how to perform in big tournaments, is rare and immensely valuable to the team.
Form and Focus on the Upcoming ODI Series
The focus now shifts to the immediate challenge—the three-match ODI series against South Africa. The series begins on Sunday in Ranchi, followed by matches in Raipur on Wednesday and Visakhapatnam on Saturday.
Rohit Sharma enters this contest in excellent form, fresh from a century and a fifty in the recent ODI series against Australia, which included his 33rd ODI ton in Sydney.
After a shaky start with back-to-back ducks in the first two ODIs against Australia, Virat Kohli made a powerful comeback, scoring an unbeaten 74 in the final match, silencing any doubts about his form and readiness.
The cricketing world will be watching closely as these two stalwarts begin the South Africa series, potentially laying the foundation for a journey that could extend all the way to the 2027 World Cup.
