India Bowling Coach Morne Morkel Praises ‘World-Class’ Arshdeep Singh, Says Rotation is Key Ahead of T20 World Cup

India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has come out in firm support of left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, calling him a “world-class” bowler who fully understands the team’s current strategy of experimenting with bowling combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup next year.

Morkel’s comments come amid questions over Arshdeep’s limited appearances in recent matches, despite being India’s leading wicket-taker in T20 internationals.

Rotation, Not Rejection

Speaking on the eve of the fourth T20I in Gold Coast, Morkel explained that the decision to bench Arshdeep in certain games is part of a broader strategy to test bench strength and identify backup options before the World Cup.

“Arshdeep is experienced and understands that there’s a bigger picture. We’re trying out different combinations,” Morkel said.
“He knows he’s a world-class bowler and that he’s taken the most wickets for us in the powerplay. We know how valuable he is to the team. But this tour is also about exploring other options — and he understands that.”

India’s decision to give Harshit Rana game time over Arshdeep has stirred debate among fans, but Morkel stressed that such experimentation is necessary in modern cricket.

A Strong Comeback in Hobart

After sitting out the first two T20Is in Australia, Arshdeep returned in commanding fashion in Hobart, taking 3 for 35 and winning the Player of the Match award in the third T20I. His control in the powerplay and composure in the death overs once again underscored why he remains central to India’s bowling plans.

Despite being India’s top T20I wicket-taker with 104 wickets, Arshdeep’s selection has often fluctuated. Morkel admitted that while being rotated can be frustrating for players, it’s part of a deliberate long-term strategy.

“There will always be disappointment regarding selection — that’s natural,” Morkel noted. “But from our side, we keep asking players to stay ready. When opportunities come, they must be prepared to deliver. There are only a few games left before the T20 World Cup, and we must see how players perform under pressure.”

Testing for the Bigger Picture

Addressing India’s recent rotation-heavy approach — including changes to both bowling and batting orders — Morkel explained that the team’s goal is to be flexible and adaptable across match situations.

“Every international team is experimenting with combinations right now,” Morkel said. “You need to know which players can adapt to different roles. If you don’t test those roles before the World Cup, you’ll never know how players react under pressure.”

He added that the management’s philosophy is to “leave no stone unturned”, ensuring that India avoids second-guessing its choices later.

“You don’t want to look back two years later and think — what if we’d given a particular combination more time to develop? So this is about smart planning and preparation,” Morkel explained.

Arshdeep’s Value to India’s Bowling Core

Arshdeep’s evolution as a reliable new-ball and death-overs specialist has made him a crucial component of India’s T20 setup. His ability to swing the ball early and deliver yorkers under pressure complements Jasprit Bumrah, giving India one of the most balanced pace pairings in global T20 cricket.

While rotation might occasionally keep him out of the playing XI, Morkel made it clear that Arshdeep remains integral to India’s World Cup blueprint.

“He’s world-class. He knows his worth and understands the process. For us, it’s about building depth and readiness for every condition,” Morkel concluded.

As India continues to fine-tune its combinations ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, Arshdeep Singh’s professionalism and maturity stand out — proving that even when off the field, a player’s value to the team can remain firmly intact.