India Cricket Team to Rotate No. 3 Batting Option Amid Virat Kohli's Absence in ODI Series Against Afghanistan India’s cricket team is set to experiment with its batting lineup for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, with bowling coach Morne Morkel confirming plans to rotate players at the No. 3 position in the absence of skipper Virat Kohli. Morkel hinted at the strategy during a press conference ahead of the first ODI at the HPCA Stadium, stating that the team would explore options such as Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal to fill the void left by Kohli’s absence. “That’s something we’ll play around with—whether it’s Ishan, Rahul, or Yashasvi,” Morkel said, emphasizing the team’s focus on evaluating different batting configurations to maximize performance. The decision comes as part of a broader effort to adapt to the challenges of the limited-overs format, with Morkel highlighting the importance of giving emerging players opportunities in varied roles. “We have a couple of one-day games coming up, and we’ll give players a chance to play in different slots to better understand how to structure our teams and create more options,” he added. This approach reflects the team’s commitment to balancing experience with fresh talent, particularly as Kohli remains sidelined due to personal reasons. Rahul, who has been a consistent performer in the middle order, has primarily batted at No. 5 or lower in recent years. However, recent training sessions have raised questions about his potential promotion to the No. 3 slot. On June 12, 2025, Kishan was observed handling the gloves during practice, while Rahul, the team’s designated wicket-keeper, took outfield catches.#ishan_kishan #virat_kohli #afghanistan #india_cricket_team #morne_morkel
2026 T20 World Cup Semi-Final: India's Varun Chakravarthy in the Spotlight The semi-finals of the 2026 T20 World Cup have begun, with India set to face England in a highly anticipated match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The first semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand will take place today at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Both matches are part of the tournament's Super 8 stage, which concluded earlier this week. India, the reigning champions, have secured their place in the semi-finals, joining England, South Africa, and New Zealand in the final four. India's head coach, Morne Morkel, has emphasized the importance of Varun Chakravarthy in the team's bowling attack. Speaking ahead of the semi-final clash against England, Morkel highlighted Chakravarthy's role as a key player. "Varun is a bowler who brings both skill and distinction to our attack," Morkel said. He praised Chakravarthy's ability to take wickets consistently, noting that the bowler has demonstrated his potential in high-pressure situations. Morkel also spoke about Chakravarthy's technical strengths, including his pace and control. "He has the ability to maintain his performance even in challenging conditions," the coach added. Chakravarthy's consistency has been a standout feature of India's campaign so far. In seven matches, the fast bowler has taken 12 wickets at an average of 15.33, making him the team's leading wicket-taker in the tournament. The coach expressed confidence in Chakravarthy's ability to perform under pressure, particularly in the crucial overs of a match. "His ability to deliver in tight situations is what makes him a valuable asset to the team," Morkel said. This belief is reinforced by Chakravarthy's recent performances, which have included key wickets in critical moments.#wankhede_stadium #varun_chakravarthy #eden_gardens #2026_t20_world_cup #morne_morkel
India's Coach Praises Varun Chakravarthy as Key Bowler for Semifinal Clash Against England The 2026 T20 World Cup semifinals are set to begin, with India facing England in a highly anticipated match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The other semifinal will see South Africa take on New Zealand at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. India, the reigning champions, has secured its place in the semifinals after a strong performance in the Super 8 stage. The team is currently preparing intensively for the crucial match against England, with coach Morne Morkel emphasizing the importance of Varun Chakravarthy in the bowling attack. Morkel, speaking ahead of the match, highlighted Chakravarthy's role as a reliable and versatile bowler. He praised the young pacer's ability to take wickets consistently, noting that Chakravarthy has demonstrated exceptional skill in high-pressure situations. "Varun has the talent and the temperament to perform under pressure," Morkel said. "His pace, accuracy, and ability to adapt to different conditions make him a key player in our squad." Chakravarthy has been instrumental for India in the tournament, taking 12 wickets in 7 matches at an average of 15.33. His performances have been critical in India's success, particularly in the Super 8 stage where the team secured a strong position. Morkel emphasized that Chakravarthy's ability to deliver in crucial overs will be vital in the semifinal against England. "He has the potential to make a difference in tight situations," the coach added. The match against England is expected to be a test of India's depth and resilience. With both teams having shown strong performances throughout the tournament, the semifinal promises to be a closely contested battle.#india #t20_world_cup #wankhede_stadium #varun_chakravarthy #morne_morkel
