The Indian cricket team is in the final stages of its preparation for the Asia Cup in the UAE, with a key focus on developing all-rounders. The team's coaching staff is emphasizing the importance of multi-skilled cricketers, a philosophy championed by head coach Gautam Gambhir. Bowling coach Morne Morkel highlighted the team's approach, singling out all-rounder Shivam Dube as a player they want to see bowl a full quota of four overs.
The team recently gathered for a high-intensity practice session at the ICC Academy in Dubai. Morkel stated that it's "always important to see a guy like Shivam that can bowl four overs." He stressed that all-rounders must work equally on both their batting and bowling skills, adding, "Sometimes guys can get a little bit naughty in practice and focus just on one. Here in this environment, we want to leave no stone unturned." The coaching staff's goal is to ensure that players are ready to perform their secondary skills when conditions require.
The focus on all-rounders is a strategic move, especially considering the team's recent past. In their successful Champions Trophy campaign, India often opted for a bowling attack with only one specialist seamer, with Hardik Pandya fulfilling the role of a second pacer. The team's think tank is now mulling over its bowling combination for the Asia Cup, deciding whether to go with two or three spinners and how to best use players like Dube to provide additional bowling options.
Morkel noted that the team's build-up to the tournament has been "brilliant," despite a month-long break after a demanding Test series in England. He assured the media that the training intensity is high and that the players are ready for the challenge. He also addressed the form of front-line spinner Kuldeep Yadav, stating that Kuldeep is a professional who knows how to prepare himself for T20 cricket.
As India's title defense begins with a match against the UAE on September 10, the team is also preparing for a blockbuster clash with arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14. Morkel acknowledged Pakistan's progress in white-ball cricket but emphasized that the team's main focus is on its own performance. He stressed that India will "analyze their strengths and weaknesses, but at the end of the day, it’s about the brand of cricket we want to play." This focus on professionalism and preparation is what the team believes will give them the winning edge.
