As Team India gears up for a high-stakes Super 8 clash against South Africa on February 22 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, bowling coach Morne Morkel has offered a glimpse into the team's tactical mindset. India enter this more competitive phase of the T20 World Cup 2026 with an unblemished record, having decisively outclassed the United States, Namibia, Pakistan, and the Netherlands during the group stage.
Men in Blue have functioned as a cohesive unit throughout the tournament, with both the batting and bowling departments contributing equally to their unbeaten run. However, the form of opener Abhishek Sharma remains the sole point of concern. Currently grappling with health issues and a rare run drought, the explosive left-hander has faced a difficult initiation to his maiden World Cup campaign.
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The left-handers are aggressive. Bowlers will have sleepless nights: Morne Morkel
The selection dilemma regarding Abhishek’s spot in the playing XI has sparked significant debate, with many wondering if head coach Gautam Gambhir will opt for a change to maintain the team's winning momentum. In a media interaction on February 20, Morkel addressed these concerns with confidence, throwing his full support behind the team's left-handed contingent.
Morkel expressed unwavering faith in the squad's southpaws, suggesting that they are poised to become a significant threat to opposition bowlers in the upcoming matches.
"The left-handers are aggressive. Bowlers will have sleepless nights running into them. We will find the flow again," Morkel said at the pre-match press conference.
India's left-handed prowess, a big threat for South African bowlers
The Indian lineup currently features a potent core of left-handed batters, including Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, and Rinku Singh. Aside from the struggling Abhishek Sharma, most of these "southpaws" have stepped up at crucial moments, providing the team with the tactical flexibility and aggressive intent needed during their successful group-stage campaign.
In the middle order, Shivam Dube has successfully transitioned from a specialized "spin-basher" to a more versatile threat. His campaign reached a peak against the Netherlands, where he smashed a 31-ball 66 to propel India to a formidable total. Tilak Varma, meanwhile, has provided stability if not explosive scores; he has been remarkably consistent, recording scores of 25 in three consecutive games before reaching 31 against the Dutch.
While Rinku Singh has yet to fully unleash his trademark finishing power in this edition, the management remains confident in his ability to deliver under pressure.