India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, recently spoke about how important all-rounders are, highlighting their value in both batting and bowling as the team prepares for the Asia Cup 2025. With India opening their campaign against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai, Morkel feels that the balance provided by all-rounders will be crucial in big games.
India enters the tournament as one of the favorites, having last played a multi-nation competition in Dubai during the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year. However, conditions this time are expected to be different, with fresher and greener pitches likely to affect team selection. While spinners were key during the Champions Trophy, Morkel explained that India may now choose a more balanced setup. This makes the role of all-rounders like Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel even more important.
“For me, it’s important to see Shivam Dube as someone who can bowl all four overs. I always encourage all-rounders to work hard on both batting and bowling. Sometimes players focus only on one skill during practice, but here we don’t want to miss anything. On match day, we’ll need someone ready to step up and get the job done,” Morkel told the media.
Balancing roles: Helping the team when needed most
“Yes, we have our main players who can perform well. But if we keep developing other players and part-timers to do specific jobs, it gives us more options for team selection and combinations. It’s important that once players have these skills, they continue practicing every day to improve and get better,” he added.
The bowling coach also mentioned that India hasn’t played many T20 matches recently, but he is confident the team is ready for the challenge.
“I think that’s a good point. For us, the focus is on working hard in training and keeping the intensity high. Once players put on the Indian jersey, it’s all about preparing for the match. I’m confident that when they step onto the field, they will be ready to perform well and give their best for the team,” he concluded.
India will play against the UAE, Pakistan, and Oman in the group stage, with matches held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The top two teams from each group will move on to the Super Four stage, which will determine the finalists.
FAQ
Who is Morne Morkel?
Morne Morkel is a former South African fast bowler and cricket analyst, now offering insights ahead of major tournaments.
What did Morkel say about all-rounders?
He emphasized that all-rounders are crucial for team balance and success, and players need to work hard to perform both batting and bowling roles.
Why are all-rounders important in cricket?
All-rounders contribute in both batting and bowling, providing flexibility in team selection and strengthening overall team performance.
Which tournament is Morkel referring to?
Morkel was talking about the Asia Cup 2025.
How can all-rounders impact a team in the Asia Cup?
They help cover multiple roles, adapt to different match situations, and provide backup in case of injuries or poor form.
