India’s bowling coach backs Rohit, Virat for 2027 ODI World Cup; shares update on Gill and Iyer
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the 2027 ODI World Cup, and also provided an update on Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer.
New Delhi: India will take on South Africa in the first ODI of a three-match series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. Team India's bowling coach Morne Morkel praised senior batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, saying that there is no substitute for experience.
Rohit was the leading run-scorer in a three-match ODI series in Australia, smashing a century in the last match in Sydney and winning the Player of the Series award. Kohli, under pressure after registering consecutive ducks in the first two ODIs, made a comeback with an unbeaten 74 in the final game.
They arrived in Ranchi on Wednesday and started training for the ODI series. The pair batted well in the nets, spending most of the time working on their power-hitting against net bowlers. Speaking at the press conference ahead of the first ODI. Morkel said that they are both quality players and said they can surely play the ODI World Cup if the duo manages to maintain their fitness.
"I have always believed that to have that experience, you can’t find it anywhere. They have won trophies, they know how to play big tournaments. For sure, if they maintain their fitness and they physically feel their bodies can do that It’s still a long way away, the World Cup. By all means (yes)," Morkel said.
'They’re healthy and starting their preparation': Morkel on Gill and Iyer
The bowling coach, Morne Morkel, also shared an update on the fitness of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. With both players ruled out of the three-match series, the Men in Blue will take the field without their captain and vice-captain. Morkel said that he talked to Shubman two days ago, and he's recovering well.
"Shreyas has also started his rehab, which is great. So yeah, we’re looking forward to welcoming them back into the squad. The good thing is they’re healthy and starting their preparation on their way back into the team," he added.
Gill suffered a neck injury in the first Test against the West Indies in Kolkata. Iyer's injury occurred in the third ODI against Australia while attempting a diving catch. In Gill's absence, KL Rahul will lead the side in the ODI series.