India’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 are fully on track, and bowling coach Morne Morkel has expressed strong confidence in the diverse skill set in the team as they set their sights on defending the title. India have enjoyed a remarkable run in T20 internationals over the past year, winning all nine bilateral series and tournaments they have participated in, including their title win at the Asia Cup. According to Morkel, India have maintained consistency because players have a clear understanding of roles.

“With the 11 that we can pick on matchday, we’ve got 11 match winners. That's a nice position to be in," Morkel said at the press conference ahead of the 4th T20I against New Zealand.

"Everybody has got a certain ability, (an) ‘X’ factor about them. For us it's just to keep on having good clear communications about their roles (and) what to expect. And they also know the buying for this team is that there’s no guarantee of starting in the 11. It’s about who’s suited best for the conditions and how we can see the team winning at the end of the day," he said.

Morkel also heaped praise on all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been in commanding form in the series. 

“Hardik is again in the series with the ball for me, showing his class,” Morkel said.

“He’s looking extremely fit, and his body is in good shape at the moment, which is a massive bonus for us. Unfortunately, so far with the way we’ve been batting, he’s sort of lacked that sort of time in the middle.

"But I think we all saw at the game, the last match — that afterwards he went down to the nets and he practised for hours. That was great to see. He’s really focused to put in a great performance for the team.

"I think everything that he’s done so far, he’s been very professional, he’s been world-class. Just to have his experience in the changing room is a massive plus point, bonus for us,” he added.