Ahmedabad, February 20 – As Team India gears up for the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash against South Africa, bowling coach Morne Morkel has issued a stark warning. Fielding has emerged as a glaring vulnerability, with the Suryakumar Yadav-led side dropping a whopping nine catches in the group stage alone.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes encounter, Morkel didn’t mince words. ‘We need to work hardest on our fielding,’ he emphasized. ‘Good fielding can save those crucial two runs or stop boundaries. In the business end of the tournament, catching will play a pivotal role.’
He highlighted how pressure-packed games often hinge on those match-turning grabs. A brilliant catch can shatter the batting side’s rhythm, flipping the momentum entirely. Every catch, no matter how routine it seems, demands perfection – and the team is grinding hard to sharpen this skill.
India’s fielding woes have drawn sharp scrutiny throughout the tournament. Ranking second in dropped catches, only behind Ireland’s tally of 10, the Men in Blue have been leaky in the outfield. Yet, their batting and bowling firepower secured victories in all four group games, punching a ticket to Super 8 from the dreaded ‘Group of Death’ where every opponent remains unbeaten.
The blockbuster India vs South Africa showdown looms on February 22 at Narendra Modi Stadium. With both sides unbeaten, Morkel stressed that addressing fielding lapses is non-negotiable for World Cup glory. The coach’s call to action underscores a simple truth: in T20 cricket, fielding isn’t optional – it’s the game-changer.