India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has spoken out in support of his bowlers. The Indian attack has faced criticism during the ongoing T20I series against the West Indies. West Indies have scored around 250 runs twice in four matches. They chased 250 in the second T20I. In the fourth T20I, they made 247 for 3.
Morkel said mental fatigue is a big factor that people often forget. He pointed to the busy schedule the players have had. Some of them played in the Asian Games after several bilateral series. Then they came straight into a five-match series against the West Indies. After that, they had to fly to Delhi for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They returned the next morning and had to get ready for a game.
“I read everything that’s written on social media,” Morkel said. “One thing we sometimes forget is that mental fatigue plays a big part. We have to manage that, and you have to be smart with it.” He added, “These guys are also human.”
Morkel also talked about the conditions. He said it is tough to bowl when there is a lot of dew. He said the West Indies will take the game on. In the past, mistimed shots would create wicket-taking chances. Now, mistimed shots still go for sixes. He said the bowlers can only focus on making every ball the best they can.
India will tour New Zealand next. The series starts on October 22. There are five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Tests. Morkel said the schedule there is also very packed. He feels the bowlers will execute better when they are mentally refreshed and have slept well. He said recovery is a challenge.
India’s bowling numbers show a clear difference when Jasprit Bumrah plays. In 2026, with Bumrah in the side, India took 128 wickets in 17 T20Is. Their average was 21.49, and the economy rate was 8.62. Without Bumrah, they took 90 wickets in 16 matches. Their average was 27.84, and the economy rate was 9.16. In the fourth T20I, Mayank Yadav and Arshdeep Singh both conceded 52 runs from their four overs.
…Welcomes Bhuvneshwar Kumar Back as India Face West Indies in Final T20I
India have added Bhuvneshwar Kumar to their squad for the fifth and final T20I against West Indies. The move comes after Arshdeep Singh hurt his bowling shoulder in the fourth match. Bhuvneshwar is the only experienced specialist fast bowler in the squad.
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel spoke about the return. He said he is very happy to have Bhuvneshwar back. Morkel pointed to Bhuvneshwar’s strong performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He feels that experience will help a young bowling group. He said he is looking forward to working with him.
The series has been tough for bowlers. Teams have struggled to defend totals over 200. India chased 172 in the first match. In the second T20I in Ranchi, the West Indies chased down 250. India then defended 223 in the third match and won by 14 runs. In the fourth T20I, Shai Hope scored an unbeaten century. The West Indies made 247 for 3 and won by 24 runs.
Morkel also talked about the challenge in Bengaluru. He called it a high-scoring venue. He said the bowlers’ skills will be tested. He said the team has had many meetings and made plans. But for him, the main thing is helping the younger bowlers make better choices under pressure. He said execution still matters most. A bowler can talk about a wide yorker or a leg-side yorker, but they must be able to land it again and again. That comes with experience and match time.
Morkel defended the bowlers’ efforts in the series. He said they have done well to keep pressure from both ends. He also praised Prince Yadav. He said Yadav keeps things simple, knows his strengths, and sticks to them. Morkel warned that both ends cannot fail to execute. If that happens, the batting side gets momentum.
FAQs
Q. Why did Morne Morkel defend India’s bowlers?
A. Morkel said mental fatigue, a packed schedule, and challenging conditions have affected their performances.
Q. How many times has the West Indies scored around 250 runs in the T20I series?
A. West Indies have scored around 250 runs twice in four matches.
Q. Why has Bhuvneshwar Kumar joined India’s squad for the final T20I?
A. Morkel was called up after Arshdeep Singh injured his bowling shoulder in the fourth match.
Q. What did Morne Morkel say about helping India’s young bowlers?
A. Morkel said they must make better decisions under pressure and execute their plans consistently.
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