Morne Morkel, India’s bowling coach, admitted that team selection can be tough on players, but emphasised the importance of testing different combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup.
New Delhi: India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel shed light on the decision to rest left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh for the first two T20Is against Australia, stressing that the management is focused on trying different bowling combinations ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
Arshdeep, who returned for the third match, made an instant impact by taking three wickets in his four-over spell, conceding 35 runs and earning the Player of the Match award. Two of his wickets came in the powerplay and one at the death, reaffirming his value as one of India’s most dependable white-ball bowlers.
Speaking at a press conference before the fourth T20I, Morkel said the decision to rest Arshdeep was part of a broader strategy to assess the bench strength. “Arshdeep is an experienced campaigner who knows his role well. He understands the bigger picture, which is about trying out new combinations. We already know his quality and what he brings in pressure situations,” he said.
Morkel acknowledged that selection choices can be tough on players but maintained that rotation and experimentation are vital in the lead-up to major tournaments. “It’s never easy. There’s always disappointment around selection, but players are encouraged to stay ready for their chances. With limited matches before the T20 World Cup, it’s important for us to see how others respond under pressure,” he explained.
The coach also provided an update on all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has been ruled out of the first three games due to fitness issues. Reddy, recovering from a quadriceps injury sustained during the ODI series in Adelaide, developed neck spasms that delayed his return. “He completed his training today batting, bowling, and fielding. We’ll assess his progress and decide his availability soon,” Morkel said.
India will take on Australia in the fourth T20I at Carrara Oval, Queensland, on November 6. The five-match series is finely balanced at 1-1, after the first game in Canberra was washed out.
