India bowling coach Morne Morkel said the team is focusing on building a strong pool of fast bowlers ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. The former Proteas fast bowler said India have several reliable pace options available for the tournament, adding that they want to give them international experience.
India will face Afghanistan in the first ODI of the three-match series. On Saturday, June 13 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala. With Jasprit Bumrah rested and Mohammed Siraj unavailable, uncapped fast bowlers Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar could make their international debut.
It’s different playing international cricket with that Indian badge – Morne Morkel on young pacers
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Morne Morkel said that India are keen to give opportunities to young fast bowlers ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. The bowling coach said that the team management wants to see how the emerging players handle the pressure at the international level.
“It’s certainly part of our thinking and our approach – to give ourselves options for the World Cup in South Africa,” Morkel said on the eve of the first ODI in Dharamsala. “It’s good for Indian cricket that we give players chances under pressure against good opponents and see what they can do.”
“Luckily now we have two guys in the team in Prince and Gurnoor. I’m sure Gautam (Gambhir) will give those guys a chance and see how they go in the Indian shirt. It’s different playing international cricket with that Indian badge.”
I didn’t see any nervousness on their faces – Morne Morkel impressed by young fast bowlers
Morne Morkel praised the way Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar have carved a niche for themselves in the Indian team. The bowling coach said that both the uncapped fast bowlers trained with confidence and showed impressive energy and accuracy during the practice sessions.
“My first impression, it’s almost like I thought he’d been a part of the team for five years. I didn’t see any nervousness on his face, although I can imagine he’d be pretty nervous coming into this team.”
“I think the way they have trained, the energy with which they have trained, it was great and good to see. In terms of their skills, I can also see that they have worked a lot on that. They were on the money, exact.”
The aim is to peak at the right time – Morne Morkel on India’s World Cup preparations
Morne Morkel said India are focusing on improving their ODI game ahead of the 2027 World Cup. The bowling coach said the team management is taking lessons from recent tours to strengthen the squad and improve its approach in the 50-over format.
“For me, it’s just about learning from South Africa, learning from New Zealand and improving our white-ball game, especially our 50-over game,” he said. “That’s the aim now – to look for small improvements and make sure we peak at the right time when we come to the World Cup next year.”
Prince Yadav earned his first India call-up after finishing as the leading wicket-taker for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026. The fast bowler took 16 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 28.68, with best figures of 3/32.
Meanwhile, Gurnoor Brar did not play for Gujarat Titans during IPL 2026 but has impressed in domestic cricket. The 6 feet 4 inches tall left-arm fast bowler has taken 52 wickets at an average of 27.30 in 18 first-class matches, as well as 12 wickets in nine List A matches.
