NEW DELHI: India bowling coach Morne Morkel has thrown his weight behind Rohit Sharma amid growing scrutiny over the veteran opener’s form, insisting there are “no worries” and expressing confidence that the former skipper will soon rediscover his rhythm in English conditions.Speaking ahead of Sunday’s series-deciding third ODI against England at Lord’s, Morkel dismissed concerns over Rohit’s scores of 11 and 26 in the first two matches, saying the challenging conditions for opening batters have made life difficult throughout the series.
Morkel backs Rohit’s experience and composure
With speculation intensifying over Rohit’s ODI future ahead of the 2027 World Cup, Morkel highlighted the opener’s experience and the calming influence he brings to India’s batting unit.“It is hard work with a new ball up front. We have seen that in the entire series. The ball is moving around. So batting up front, it is not easy. No doubt Rohit will work it out,” Morkel said.“He has done it in the past. He is experienced and he just brings that calmness to the batting line-up. So, without a doubt, no worries and concerns at all with the way he is going about things,” he added.His remarks come after Rohit’s modest returns in the opening two ODIs reignited debate over whether India should begin planning beyond the veteran opener with just a year remaining before the next 50-over World Cup.
Batting unit told to adapt quicker at Lord’s
While defending Rohit, Morkel acknowledged that India’s batting as a whole needs improvement after failing to capitalise on a strong platform in the second ODI.Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer had laid the foundation, but the middle order could not accelerate as India finished with a below-par 233, allowing England to level the series with a four-wicket victory.Morkel advised India’s batters to respect the conditions at Lord’s before looking to dominate.“I think for them it is just to sum up the conditions. We have seen of late that it can be a tricky surface here at Lord’s. So maybe give yourself that extra five to 10 balls just to get used to the pace of the surface,” he said.He added that India’s experienced top and middle order know how to build partnerships and stressed that sustained stands with both bat and ball would be key in the decider.
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Middle-over wickets remain India’s biggest bowling concern
Despite praising the fast bowlers for their effort in the previous game, Morkel admitted India still need to become more effective in breaking partnerships during the middle overs.He said the pace attack had executed plans well, particularly with Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar using extra bounce effectively, but acknowledged that England’s Joe Root, who remained unbeaten on 99, showed the value of denying the opposition easy passages through the innings.“It is crucial to get those wickets in the middle phase. We will keep working on ways to find those breakthroughs,” Morkel said, while also cautioning against overloading bowlers with technical advice before a crucial game.
