Morne Morkel Discusses Bowling Challenges on Flat Pitches Ahead of T20I Finale

As India prepares for the final T20I against the West Indies, bowling coach Morne Morkel discusses the significant challenges faced by bowlers on flat pitches, especially with dew affecting performance. He reflects on the high-scoring nature of the series and emphasizes the need for improved execution and skill development to cope with aggressive batting. With the series tied at 2-2, the upcoming match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium promises to be a thrilling encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 17, 2026, 00:21 IST

Bowling Challenges at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 16: Morne Morkel, the bowling coach for India, has shed light on the challenges bowlers encounter on the flat pitches of M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, particularly when dew complicates matters.

He pointed out that the previous two matches were played on drier surfaces, which provided bowlers with a slight opportunity to implement their strategies.

Morkel emphasized that bowling second on these flat pitches, especially with a wet ball, significantly heightens the pressure on bowlers, making it tough to manage aggressive batsmen and defend scores.

Speaking to reporters ahead of India's fifth T20I against the West Indies, scheduled for Friday in Bengaluru, he remarked, "The wickets have been extremely flat, which poses a challenge for bowlers. This is the reality we face, and we've discussed it extensively. The situation becomes particularly difficult when dew is prevalent. The last two games were much drier, giving bowlers at least a small chance."

He further added, "However, when bowling second on these favorable surfaces with a wet ball, the pressure on the bowling unit escalates significantly."

Morkel's comments come during a high-scoring T20I series between India and the West Indies, where totals exceeding 200 have been increasingly hard to defend.

Reflecting on the second T20I in Ranchi, where the West Indies successfully chased down a target of 250 runs, reaching 252/4 in just 18.3 overs, Morkel acknowledged the difficulties in defending such totals against a formidable batting lineup.

He pointed out the challenges of bowling during the powerplay with fielding restrictions and stressed the need for India to enhance their skills and execution to adapt to these high-scoring conditions.

"I felt quite anxious even with 250 runs to defend. I was aware that executing our plans would be tough, especially against the aggressive West Indies batting lineup. Their approach is akin to a clearance sale; everything must go. They play an attacking style of cricket, and while this might create wicket-taking chances, often the shots still result in sixes," he noted.

"Defending a total during the powerplay is particularly challenging when only two fielders are permitted outside the circle. These are the realities we must confront. The conditions will remain the same, so our focus must be on honing our skills and improving our execution," he concluded.

In the fourth match of the five-match series, the West Indies triumphed over India by 24 runs in Hyderabad, leveling the series at 2-2.

The final T20I of the series is set to take place at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 17 (Saturday).