Sipu Jha
TimesofIndia.com in Dubai: Team India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has shared an injury update on all-rounder Hardik Pandya and opener Abhishek Sharma ahead of their summit clash against Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Hardik, who bowled the first over of Sri Lanka’s innings and picked up a wicket, left the field and never returned. Meanwhile, Abhishek, who smashed a blazing 31-ball 61 with the bat, left the ground in the 9.2 over. “Both of them struggled with cramps during the game,” Morkel told reporters. “Hardik will be assessed tonight and tomorrow morning, and we’ll make a call on that. But both of them were just struggling with cramps during the game. Abhishek is fine,” he said. In a match that swung both ways, India held their nerve in the Super Over to stay unbeaten in the tournament. Morkel felt it was a good wake-up call for the team, as they have not been clinical so far. “I don’t think in this tournament we’ve played the complete game,” he admitted. “After every game there are discussions on areas we’d like to improve. With batting, can we rotate strike better in tough conditions, run harder between the wickets, and protect partnerships? From a bowling perspective, we need to sharpen our lengths, accuracy and decision-making in the first 10 overs, and be smarter in using variations like the yorker during the middle phase. “In the field, we’ve worked hard on catching under lights, so maybe it’s just a confidence issue. Across departments, there’s still work to be done. We are by no means the finished article, and we know that.” Morkel also revealed that after a gruelling match, the team will have an off day before the final, with only individual pool sessions and recovery work. “The key for the boys is to rest,” he said. “They’re already in ice baths, and recovery started right after the match. The best way to recover is sleep and staying off your feet. There will be pool sessions and massages before they get mentally ready for Sunday’s big battle. It’s a quick turnaround, and playing smart is going to be the key. There will certainly be no training.”
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