Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel remarked that it is quite natural for bowlers, even the top-ranked bowlers like Varun Chakaravarthy, to concede runs at times. The mystery spinner has conceded 75 runs in eight overs across the last two matches in the T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, ahead of the crucial semi-final against England.
Team India’s bowling unit were on song during the group stages, restricting opponents to scores like 132, 116, 114. However, they have conceded totals like 176, 187, 184, and 195, since then. With the upcoming clash set to be played at a batting-friendly venue like the Wankhede Stadium against an explosive side, early concerns are brewing regarding the bowling efficiency.
Varun Chakaravarthy was among the few players who had reported for the optional training session, and was spotted working on his skills with Morne Morkel and fielding coach T Dilip.
“Normal routine session with Varun, he went through his process. We wanted him to walk away with confidence.It’s not about how you get to the semifinal but about how you play in the next two games. You cannot always bowl out the opposition for 120,” Morne Morkel said during the pre-match press conference (via RevSportz).
While the optional training session went ahead as planned, there was a slight delay in yesterday’s training session with the full squad. Morne Morkel confirmed that the delay was due to the lunar eclipse in the evening.
“I was told about the lunar eclipse and the session was pushed backward but it was important to put in the efforts which was good to see.” he added.
The team management felt that practicing during the phenomenon could be considered inauspicious, and instead began their practice at 7:30 PM, after the event had transpired.
“Sanju found himself in a similar situation” – Morne Morkel on Abhishek Sharma’s crippling form ahead of IND vs ENG T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final
A major conundrum for India, throughout the T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, has been Abhishek Sharma’s form. Although he showed signs of his best self during the fifty against Zimbabwe, he struggled in his 11-ball 10 against the West Indies soon after.
Morne Morkel recalled how Sanju Samson faced a similar struggling run with his form during the home series against New Zealand earlier this year.
“Sanju found himself in a similar situation, it’s a good growth and learning for Abhishek. It’s a fresh page for him tomorrow and an opportunity to go out there and do well.” Morkel said.
“Sanju is someone who always works hard at the nets. He got an opportunity and stepped up in a crucial game. It was about giving him the backing. Credit to him for not losing hope, keeping calm, fighting the hard times and continuing to work hard,” he concluded.
Abhishek Sharma has scored only 80 runs in six matches at an average of 13.33 and a strike rate of 131.14. However, the No.1 ranked batter had recorded his highest T20I score at the Wankhede Stadium against England during the home series in early 2025, and will be on the lookout to replicate the same.
Edited by Gokul Nair