India Bowling Coach Morkel Shields Bhuvneshwar Ahead of 3rd T20

Wellington, October 26: Ahead of the third T20 against New Zealand, India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has rallied behind experienced pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Despite a tough beginning to his return, Morkel has urged the bowler to block out the outside noise and trust his natural rhythm.

Bhuvneshwar's comeback to the T20 team has not gone to plan. In the first two matches he conceded 49 and 50 runs in his overs, and his economy rate of 12.37 was the poorest among India's bowlers.

Morkel, speaking at a press conference on the eve of the match, said he understood the weight of expectations. 'Bhuvi has come back after four years, so there are naturally going to be expectations around him. He has bowled very well in the IPL. My first advice to him is to ignore the pressure of those expectations completely.'

He added that the step up to international level is significant. 'Even though he trained for a month before being picked, international cricket is a different level. A small mistake can cost you a lot. With the schedule, he had only a little time to prepare himself.'

Bhuvneshwar, who is 36, last represented India in the T20 World Cup semifinal against England at the Adelaide Oval in November 2022. His impressive IPL displays over the last two seasons were the reason he returned to the national side.

Playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he picked up 45 wickets across the previous two IPL seasons and was instrumental in the team's championship success. His skill with the new ball and his deep experience have earned him one more chance in the T20 squad.

Morkel said the pacer's qualities are not in doubt. 'His skills and experience are all there. We have to respect the game and give him some matches to settle in. The message from the day he joined has been not to chase anything. Stay true to yourself. Expectations will always be there, but with every game he will get better and find his form. So do not pay attention to what people say outside. Focus on your own game and stay connected with the contest.'

India are 2-0 up in the five-match series and must now handle the strong winds of Wellington in the third T20 on Tuesday. Morkel called the conditions a serious challenge but said his players are ready to face them without excuses. 'The wind here is a major challenge. This morning I was in the hotel and the entire building was shaking. For the players it will be a fresh experience, and they will need to adapt fast. We are prepared to meet this challenge head on, not to make excuses.'