In the sweltering heat of Ahmedabad, Team India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel laid bare a critical flaw ahead of their Super 8 opener against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026. Nine dropped catches in the group stage signal deep concerns over fielding standards under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership.
During Saturday’s pre-match briefing, Morkel addressed the elephant in the room head-on. ‘Fielding is where we must put in the most effort,’ he stated firmly. Saving runs through sharp stops and nabbing tough catches could prove decisive in knockout scenarios, he noted, adding that no catch comes easy and the squad is drilling relentlessly.
Pressure moments define tournaments, Morkel explained. A clutch catch disrupts batting flow, handing bowlers the edge. India’s fielding has been a hot topic, sitting second to Ireland (10 drops) in mishandled chances. Despite this, flawless wins in a brutal group – dubbed the ‘Group of Death’ with all teams undefeated – propelled them forward.
All eyes now turn to February 22’s marquee tie at Narendra Modi Stadium. South Africa, equally formidable, sets the stage for a thriller. Morkel’s candid assessment serves as a rallying cry: elevate the fielding, or risk squandering hard-earned advantages. As India chases the title, tightening those hands could be the key to lifting the trophy.