India’s clash with South Africa on Sunday, February 22 at the Narendra Modi Stadium will be about two unbeaten teams looking to make an early splash in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026. One of the biggest sub-plots of the story will see Albie and Morne Morkel standing in opposite camps.
IND vs SA, Super 8 Preview
Morne has been the Indian team’s bowling coach since taking over the role in 2024. Albie, on the other hand, is an expert consultant for South Africa as the Proteas look to win their first T20 World Cup title. So what does the former all-rounder do as part of Shukri Conrad’s backroom staff?
“Specialist consultant – yes, it’s a mouthful! I just have to think of ways to beat Team India on Sunday. That’s it,” Albie says of his role.
The Morkels played 48 matches together in all formats and started their coaching journey together. Albie credited Morne’s rise as a bowling coach in a video released by the BCCI on their social media platforms.
“We played some cricket together and now we’re both in coaching roles. We actually coached together in our first stint – I made him a very good bowling coach there. I showed him how!” Albie said.
BACKYARD WARS!
Morne is three years younger than Albie, but the two men were rivals in their backyard when they played cricket. Morne said he had never shown such a competitive edge against his brother.
“I’m 3 years younger than Albie and I was the kid in the house. As far as bowling and just what I was told – that’s how it went. So there was no competitive advantage on my part!” Morne said.
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 backyard games ending in arguments or tears. In a backyard game, you’re never out. As a pitcher, the batter 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, us older brothers were telling him what to do all the time,” Morne said.
FIGHTING FOR THE SAME GOAL
For the Morkel brothers, Sunday’s goal remains simple. Win the game for your team.
Morne admitted there will be some banter, but said both brothers will remain calm and composed and won’t think too much about the game on or off the field.
“The family will joke around. We’re very calm and professional about these things. Even during our playing days, we hardly talked about games or moments – on or off the field.”
“Life will go on after this tournament. It’s my family. The guys on the team are my friends. I’ll see you again,” said Morne.
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Published on:
February 22, 2026
