Morkel points to fatigue behind India’s demanding run

India fast-bowling coach Morne Morkel has called for understanding of the pressure on the team’s bowlers, saying a packed schedule and repeated travel can take a mental toll.

Speaking on the eve of the fifth T20I against West Indies in Bengaluru, Morkel described a hectic stretch for some members of the squad. Players who took part in the Asian Games in Japan moved straight into the West Indies series, he said, then travelled to Delhi for a presentation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi before returning to Bengaluru ahead of the match.

“One thing that we sometimes forget is that mental fatigue plays a big part. We have to manage that and you have to be smart with it,” Morkel said.

He said recovery, sleep and a mental reset were central to players’ ability to execute their skills. India were due to travel to New Zealand after the West Indies assignment, with Morkel warning that the schedule there would also be demanding.

Coach asks critics to allow for an off game

Morkel praised the bowlers for continuing to perform despite the workload and said expectations should be balanced against the strain of constant competition and travel.

“We can allow them to make a mistake and allow them to have an off game and not be on them, because of the mental load and expectation on these players,” he said.