Will Abhishek Sharma Get Another Chance Against South Africa? Morne Morkel Provides Crucial Update Ahead Of T20 World Cup Tie

Abhishek Sharma will keep his place in the team when India take on South Africa in a crucial T20 World Cup Super 8s clash on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The Indian opener is under severe pressure to deliver after three consecutive ducks. But bowling coach Morne Morkel has backed the youngster to succeed in the tournament.

Morkel told reporters, "Absolutely no discussion in our team group about that. He is a world-class player. So far in the tournament, luckily, we've had other guys standing up with Abhishek not scoring the runs you would like. We're going through a very important phase of the World Cup now, and I'm pretty sure he's going to deliver. Not just for the team, but also for all the viewers watching the game, because he's entertaining and we love to see that. He's hitting the ball well in the nets. It's just a matter of getting that start and getting his innings going."

Across eight innings this season, Abhishek has amassed 182 runs at an average of 26.00, striking at over 224, with two half-centuries and a top score of 84. India's batting has been at the focal point of concern, especially after a number of mini batting collapses. The likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan have been the backbone of the Indian batting, but others also need to start firing as the Men In Blue aim to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title.

Morne Morkel Praises Shivam Dube's Contribution

Shivam Dube played a gem of an innings against the Netherlands and made sure India finished the group stage on a winning note. Dube blasted a 31-ball 66 as India finished at 193 in the first innings. He smashed 4 boundaries and 6 towering sixes in his innings. The all-rounder then showed his bowling skill and picked up two wickets, including the dangerous Bas de Leede.

Morkel went on heap severe praise on Dube, insisting the player has various bowling variations that help the team in crucial junctures.

"He's got a lot of skill with the ball, with variations. I believe when I catch him, he hits the mitt quite hard. For him, it was just a matter of building that confidence and polishing up on when to use his variations. I think he has a very good understanding of conditions. He can read the conditions very well. As a power hitter himself, he will work out what is the toughest ball to bowl."

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India will take on the Proteas in the first T20 World Cup Super 8s fixture on Sunday in Ahmedabad.

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