Morne Morkel Discusses Wind Challenges Ahead of T20I in Wellington

As the third T20I between India and New Zealand approaches, bowling coach Morne Morkel emphasizes the significant impact of Wellington's windy conditions. He encourages players to adapt quickly and view the challenge positively. Morkel shares insights on how the wind can affect gameplay and stresses the importance of mental preparation for future matches. With the series at stake, the team is focused on overcoming these environmental challenges to secure a win.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 26, 2026, 10:23 IST

Morne Morkel on Wellington's Windy Conditions

Morne Morkel, the bowling coach for India, is preparing for the significant impact of windy conditions during the upcoming third T20I match against New Zealand in Wellington. He emphasized that the wind in this city presents unique challenges, and players must adapt to it as they face this test. Following two exciting T20Is at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, New Zealand aims to keep the series alive after losing the first two matches to the reigning world champions.

Adapting to the Elements

In a press conference before the match, Morkel remarked on the wind's intensity, stating, "This wind is truly a different beast. This morning, I felt the hotel shaking due to the gusts. It's crucial for our players to acclimatize to these conditions quickly." He stressed the importance of embracing this challenge without making excuses.

Morkel noted that the wind could influence various aspects of the game, and players will have limited time during warm-ups to understand its effects. "When the game starts, players need to focus on executing each delivery effectively," he added.

Preparation for Future Matches

Morkel also mentioned that the experience gained from dealing with the wind will be beneficial for the Test match scheduled at the same venue later. He indicated that discussions about Wellington's conditions had taken place well before the tour, planting the necessary preparation seeds.

He advised players back in India to prepare by using strong fans at home to simulate the conditions they will face. Reflecting on his past experiences with South Africa, he acknowledged that acclimatizing to such conditions in just a few days is challenging. "You can either view this as a challenge or let it become a setback. We aim to foster a mindset where players are eager to tackle this challenge, as we need someone willing to bowl into the wind," he concluded.