When India take on South Africa in the round of 16 of the 2026 T20 World Cup, it won’t just be a big cricket match. It will also be a family affair.
South African consultant coach Albie Morkel will be in one camp while Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel will be in the other.
The two brothers will meet during the 2026 T20 World Cup Round of Eight at the Narendra Modi Stadium on February 22.
While fans are excited about the match, their mother Mariana Morkel is feeling the real pressure.
Albie revealed at a press conference that there is no exchange of ideas between the two brothers.
“No, we don’t talk to each other. I think my mother is more worried than us. She doesn’t know who to support, India or South Africa,” Albie said, smiling.
The 2026 edition has now reached the business end and Albie believes this is where the real challenge begins.
“I think the World Cup really starts now, even though we had a tough group. Now in our group you are playing against India, possibly Australia or Zimbabwe, and the West Indies. So it is really tough,” he said.
South Africa is placed in a strong group with India, West Indies and Zimbabwe in the Round of Eight. Each match could decide who reaches the semi-finals.
Albie admitted that the pressure will increase as teams get closer to the knockout stages.
“There will be more pressure on those games because you’re heading towards the play-offs later,” he added.
Yet the former all-rounder has confidence in the strength of his team.
He pointed out that many South African players have played in the IPL and other top leagues. According to him, that exposure makes a big difference at crucial moments.
“But I feel we have a very experienced group of bowlers, and batting is better. Guys who have been exposed to that, whether it’s an IPL or other competitions or in international cricket, are a bit different,” Albie said.
He thinks players who are used to high-pressure matches will really enjoy such big moments.
“Guys who can handle that pressure will thrive in conditions where there’s a bit more pressure in the games, so I’m not too worried,” he added.
As India and South Africa prepare for this huge clash, the spotlight may be as much on the Morkel family as it is on the players on the field.
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