IND vs SA 2025: ‘I have had sleepless nights bowling to them’ – Morne Morkel backs Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli to play 2027 ODI World Cup

India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel, while stressing the importance of experienced players in a side, backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup. The two former India captains will be in action during the impending three-match ODI series against South Africa, starting on Sunday, November 30, in Ranchi.

Morkel said that if the two stalwarts are willing to stay in shape by working hard behind the scenes, there is no reason why they cannot feature in the World Cup, which South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will co-host.

“Sure, they are quality players,” Morkel told the media when asked if he personally endorsed the idea of having Rohit and Virat for the 2027 World Cup.

“As long as they are happy to put the hard work in and maintain fitness. I have always believed that to have that experience, you can’t find it anywhere. They have won trophies, they know how to play big tournaments. For sure, if they maintain their fitness and they physically feel their bodies can do that It’s still a long way away, the World Cup. By all means (yes),” he added.

Morkel admitted that during his playing career, preparing to bowl to Rohit and Kohli would give him sleepless nights.

“I have played many games against them, I have had sleepless nights bowling to them. I know, as a bowler, what goes through your preparation playing against them. So, for me, I am definitely on board with that,” said.

Excited for the next couple of weeks playing white-ball cricket: Morkel

While Morkel isn’t too pleased with India’s performance in the two Test matches against the Proteas, which they lost, he said he is eagerly waiting for the white-ball series, where the Men in Blue are expected to be hard to beat.

“It was a disappointing two weeks for us. But we have had a couple of days to reflect. The important thing is to keep all our energy towards the white-ball team. We have been playing good white-ball cricket. A couple of fresh energy into the squad with Virat and Rohit coming back. Excited for the next couple of weeks playing white-ball cricket,” Morkel said.

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