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Morkel Admits India's Fielding Woes Cost 15-20 Runs Ahead of T20 WC Semi

Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel has openly addressed the team's significant fielding struggles in the T20 World Cup, admitting they are often guilty of giving away 15-20 extra runs. India's catching efficiency of 71.7% is the worst among the Super 8 teams, with a tournament-high 13 dropped catches. The issue was evident in the virtual quarterfinal against West Indies, where Abhishek Sharma dropped two crucial chances. Morkel emphasized focusing on the upcoming semi-final against England rather than over-analyzing past performances.

Key Points: India's Fielding Woes: Morkel Admits 15-20 Run Leak in T20 WC

  • Fielding lapses cost 15-20 runs
  • Catching efficiency worst in Super 8
  • 13 dropped catches in tournament
  • Focus on semi-final vs England
2 min read

"Guilty of giving away maybe 15-20 runs in the field": Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel speaks on India's poor fielding in T20 WC

Bowling coach Morne Morkel says India's poor catching, with a 71.7% efficiency, is guilty of giving away 15-20 runs ahead of the T20 WC semi vs England.

"I think at times we're guilty; we're giving away maybe 15-20 runs in the field. - Morne Morkel"

Mumbai, March 4

Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel highlighted India's fielding struggles in the ongoing T20 World Cup, admitting they often give away 15-20 runs due to misfielding.

However, Morkel stayed focused on India's T20 World Cup semi-final clash against England on Thursday in Mumbai and did not dwell on past games.

India's poor run while fielding during the T20 World Cup continued. India's catching efficiency of 71.7% is the worst among the Super 8 sides.

India dropped many chances during the must-win virtual quarterfinal against West Indies at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on Sunday.

During the clash against the West Indies, Abhishek Sharma came running from extra cover but dropped an absolute sitter during the fifth over, bowled by Jasprit Bumrah, that could have dismissed Roston Chase. In the penultimate over by Arshdeep Singh, Abhishek spilt out another catch that could have dismissed Rovman Powell.

"Obviously, fielding is something that we speak about a lot. I think at times we're guilty; we're giving away maybe 15-20 runs in the field. That's one aspect that we keep on working on and asking the guys to really step up on. If we can get the right players in those positions, hopefully we can take the catches," Morkel told the reporters.

"In terms of learning, there's always learning and growth that we take, but especially looking at this game here, we don't want to over-analyse too much of the past games played. I think for us it's just focusing on what we've got in front of us, and we have to be at our best tomorrow to beat England," Morkel added.

This takes India's total number of drop catches in this tournament to 13, the most by a team. The defending champions India will face two-time winners England in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
I appreciate Morkel for being honest and not sugarcoating it. But just "speaking about it a lot" isn't enough. We need to see action. The semi-final is at Wankhede, the outfield is fast. One dropped catch could send us home. The players must take responsibility.
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Aman W
Feel for Abhishek Sharma, he's a young talent and those drops will haunt him. But this is the World Cup! Pressure handling is key. Hope the coaching staff gives him confidence, not just criticism. We need him to fire tomorrow. #BelieveInBlue
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Sarah B
Watching from the UK, the fielding standard between India and teams like South Africa or Australia is visibly different. It's not about athleticism, it's about consistency and concentration. Morkel is right to focus on the semi, but this is a chronic issue that needs a long-term fix.
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Karthik V
Worst catching efficiency among Super 8 teams? That's a shocking stat for a team aiming to defend the title. Batting and bowling can have off days, but fielding is about effort. Hope the players read these comments and come out with a point to prove against England! 💪
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Nisha Z
It's good they're not over-analyzing the past. A clean slate for the semi-final. Every player should take a pledge to hold on to their catches. The nation is behind you, boys! Just give your 100% on the field. Jai Hind!

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