Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel has highlighted the importance of all-rounders contributing with both bat and ball as Team India prepares to start its Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on September 10.
India’s squad features three all-rounders — Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel. Morkel said players must be ready to deliver in all departments. “On match day, we’re going to need somebody to do the work for us,” he told reporters.
Morkel also stressed the value of part-time bowlers for providing flexibility in the playing XI. “While we have front-line guys who can attack, part-timers give us more options for combinations,” he said.
Despite limited T20I cricket recently, Morkel expressed confidence in the team. “Once players step onto the field wearing the Indian shirt, they will rise to the occasion and put on a solid performance,” he added.
India will face Pakistan on September 14 and conclude the group stage against Oman on September 19. The Super Four stage runs from September 20 to 26, with the final scheduled in Dubai on September 28.
India Squad: Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.
Reserves: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal.