The India vs South Africa clash on Sunday, February 22, at the Narendra Modi stadium will be about two unbeaten sides looking to gain early momentum in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026. One of the biggest subplots of the story will be seeing Albie and Morne Morkel squaring off on opposite camps.
Morne has been the bowling coach of the Indian team since taking over the role in 2024. Albie, on the other hand, is the specialist consultant for South Africa as the Proteas look to claim their first T20 World Cup title. So, what does the former all-rounder do as part of Shukri Conrad’s backroom staff?
“A specialist consultant — yes, it is a mouthful! In short, I have to figure out ways how to beat Team India on Sunday. That’s it,” says Albie about his role.
The Morkels played 48 matches together in all formats and started their journey as coaches together. Albie took credit for Morne’s rise as a bowling coach in the video released by BCCI on their social media platforms.
“We’ve played some cricket together, and now we’re both in coaching roles. We actually coached together in our first stint — that’s where I shaped him to be a very good bowling coach. Showed him how to do it!” said Albie.
THE BACKYARD WARS!
Morne is three years younger than Albie, but both men were rivals in their backyard while playing cricket. Morne said he never showed that competitive edge against his brother.
“I’m 3 years younger than Albie, and I was the baby in the house. In terms of bowling and just doing what I was told — that’s how things went. So there was no competitive edge from my side!” said Morne.
Albie, on the other hand, was assertive, saying that he was always right during the games and most of them ended with Morne in tears.
“I remember most of the backyard games ended up in arguments or tears. In a backyard game, you’re never out. As a bowler, the batsman is always out — so there were always arguments around that.”
“I remember him crying a lot because he was the youngest, and like you said, we older brothers just told him what to do all the time.,” said Morne.
FIGHTING FOR SAME GOAL
For the Morkel brothers, the goal on Sunday remains simple. Win the game for your team.
Morne admitted that there will be a bit of banter, but said that both brothers will remain calm and composed and not think too much about the match on or off the field.
“The family will do the banter. We’re very calm and professional about how we go about these things. Even during our playing days, we hardly spoke about games or moments — on or off the field.”
“Life will go on after this tournament. He’s my family. The guys in the team are my friends. We’ll see each other again,” said Morne.
T20 World Cup | T20 World Cup Schedule | T20 World Cup Points Table | T20 World Cup Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
