Team India Bowling Coach Addresses Key Concerns After Day 2
Team India's bowling coach Morne Morkel spoke extensively during a press conference at Eden Gardens on November 15, 2025, addressing several critical developments that emerged during the second day of play. The former South African fast bowler provided insights into captain Shubman Gill's unexpected injury, strategic batting decisions, and the much-discussed pitch conditions at the historic Kolkata venue.
Understanding Shubman Gill's Neck Spasm
Morne Morkel expressed particular concern about Shubman Gill's neck spasm, emphasizing the need to determine the exact cause of the injury. "We need to determine how he got it," Morkel stated, highlighting the medical team's focus on both treatment and prevention. The bowling coach acknowledged that such injuries can significantly impact a player's performance and mobility, especially for a batsman who relies on fluid head movement and quick reflexes.
The timing of Gill's injury raises important questions about player workload management and recovery protocols. As team captain, Gill's fitness remains paramount to India's strategic planning, with medical staff closely monitoring his condition ahead of upcoming sessions. Morkel indicated that the team would take a cautious approach, prioritizing the player's long-term health while managing immediate match requirements.
Strategic Move: Washington Sundar's Promotion
Another significant revelation from the press conference involved Washington Sundar's promotion to the number 3 batting position. Morkel explained this strategic decision, noting that the team management saw specific qualities in Sundar that made him suitable for the crucial batting spot. This move represents a shift in India's traditional batting order and suggests the team's willingness to experiment with flexible roles based on match situations.
The bowling coach elaborated on Sundar's technical capabilities and mental approach that justified this promotion. His ability to handle pressure situations and build partnerships made him an ideal candidate for the important position. This decision reflects the team's evolving strategy and confidence in players adapting to different roles as required by game circumstances.
Eden Gardens Pitch Assessment
Morkel also shared his professional assessment of the Eden Gardens pitch quality, providing valuable insights into how the surface behaved during the first two days of play. His analysis covered the pitch's bounce, pace, and deterioration patterns, all crucial factors that influence team strategy and player performance. The former fast bowler's perspective carries significant weight given his extensive experience with different pitch conditions worldwide.
The bowling coach's comments suggested that the pitch displayed characteristics typical of Eden Gardens, though with some unique challenges that both teams needed to navigate. His observations will likely influence how India approaches the remaining days of the match, particularly in terms of bowling changes and field placements.
As the match progresses, all eyes will be on Shubman Gill's recovery timeline and how Washington Sundar adapts to his new role in the batting order. The Eden Gardens pitch continues to be a talking point, with its behavior likely to determine the match's ultimate outcome.
