Head coach Gautam Gambhir with bowling coach Morne Morkel. File
| Photo Credit: Getty Images
The presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the ODI leg of the South Africa series should provide some comfort to the worried India fan.
Following the dismal loss in the preceding two Tests, to see the two established, proven winners back on the field will come as much-needed relief.
In the opinion of India bowling coach Morne Morkel, Rohit and Kohli have the quality to feature in the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup.
“They’re quality players. As long as they’re happy to put the hard work in and the fitness… I’ve always believed in experience; you don’t find that anywhere. They’ve won trophies and they know how to play big tournaments. So for sure, if they mentally and physically feel that their bodies can do that, [they can play in] the World Cup by all means,” Morkel said in a press conference here on Friday.
“I’ve played many games against them. I’ve had sleepless nights bowling to them. So, I know as a bowler what goes into your preparation when playing against them. I am definitely on board with that [Rohit and Kohli playing the 2027 World Cup],” the former South Africa fast bowler said.
Morkel stated that Shubman Gill, who injured his neck in the first Test, is “recovering well”.
On Shreyas Iyer, who copped a serious blow to the abdomen in an ODI against Australia last month, Morkel said: “Shreyas has also started his rehab, which is great. We are looking forward to welcoming them [Gill and Shreyas] back into the squad.”
On how the team is coping with the 0-2 loss in the Tests, Morkel added: “Obviously, it was a disappointing two weeks for us, but we have had a couple of days to reflect. The important thing now is to give all our energy into the white-ball team. We have some fresh energy with Virat and Rohit coming back.”
Published – November 28, 2025 08:15 pm IST
