The “Men in Blue” have geared up to lock horns against Australia in the fourth T20I match at Carrara Stadium in Queensland.
India`s highest wicket-taker in the format, Arshdeep Singh, did not feature in the first two games. Bowling coach Morne Morkel explained the reason behind resting the pacer.
The coach heaped praise on the pacer and said that Arshdeep understands the importance of management`s call to try different combinations.
“Arsdeep is experienced. He understands that there is also a bigger picture where we are trying different combinations. He is a world-class bowler and has taken the most wickets for us in the power play, so we know how valuable he is to the team. But for us on the day, on this tour, it is also to have a look at other combinations, and he understands that,” said Morkel during the press conference.
Further speaking, the former South Africa pacer said that there will be disappointments, but with very limited time remaining for the commencement of the T20 World Cup 2026, it is crucial for the management to analyse how certain players reach to situations.
“It is not easy. There will always be disappointment in terms of players and selection, but that is something that, at times, is uncontrollable for a player. From our side, we encourage them to work hard, try their best, and be prepared for when they do get the opportunity. With limited games leading up to the T20 World Cup, it is crucial for us to see how players react in certain situations under pressure; otherwise, we will be unsure of their capabilities. It is a bit of playing those sorts of games and then still having the mindset to win the game quicker,” added the 41-year-old former cricketer.
Coming to the T20I series, the five-match contest is currently tied at 1-1. Both teams will be eager to take an edge in the series.
IND vs AUS T20I squads: Full squads
India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Australia: Tim David, Matthew Short, Mitchell Marsh (c), Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, Josh Philippe, Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha, Mahli Beardman.
(With ANI Inputs)