India vs West Indies ODI series a foundation to build on for something special: Morne Morkel

FILE PHOTO: Morne Morkel also spoke about workload management and role of Nitish Kumar Reddy ahead of India vs West Indies ODI series. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

Morne Morkel believes the ODI series against the West Indies, starting here on Sunday, is a foundation to build on for ‘something special’. The India bowling coach, of course, refers to next year’s World Cup in Africa.

“We are very excited for this series and for us, building towards something special, which is a year away,” the former South African quick told reporters on Friday.

“We had a good team meeting and conversation today about how we would like to play this series and the standards we want to set,” he said. “Words were spoken in the room and hopefully over the next week or so we can go out and start getting those foundations.”

About the workload management of the bowlers, he said: “We are constantly keeping an eye on workload management, how to give the guys the best opportunity to be fit and put their names in the hat for selection. We have got Auqib Nabi and Harshit Rana, all those guys still on the sidelines; and we are excited to get them back and get them playing and get them fit again.”

Morkel also spoke on the need to manage seaming all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy properly. “I think he is a very talented guy when it comes to batting, bowling and fielding, and he always wants to be the guy that wants to create opportunities and having that mindset is fantastic,” said the coach.

“The role that we want him to play in certain situations is how we can ask him to be as consistent as possible. We need to give him those opportunities to learn and grow. Luckily, we do have a bit of time now and it will be great for Indian cricket if we can develop him so that he could compete for that all-rounder spot.”