When India take on South Africa in the Round of Eight of the T20 World Cup 2026, it will not just be a big cricket match. It will also be a family affair.
South Africa’s consultant coach Albie Morkel will be in one camp, while India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel will sit in the other.
The two brothers will face each other at the 2026 T20 World Cup Round of Eight clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium on February 22.
While fans are excited about the contest, their mother Mariana Morkel is the one feeling the real pressure.
Albie revealed in 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, she’s more worried than us. She doesn’t know who to support, India or South Africa,” Albie said with a smile.
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 you face India, possibly Australia or Zimbabwe, and the West Indies in our group. So it’s really tough,” he said.
South Africa are placed in a strong pool with India, West Indies and Zimbabwe in the Round of Eight. Every match could decide who reaches the semi-finals.
Albie admitted that the pressure will increase as teams move closer to the knockout stage.
“There will be more pressure on those games because as you move later towards the playoffs,” he added.
Still, the former all-rounder is confident about his team’s strength.
He pointed out that many South African players have played in the IPL and other top leagues. That exposure, he believes, makes a big difference in crunch moments.
“But I feel we’ve got a very experienced group of bowlers, and batting is better. Guys that have been exposed to that, whether it’s an IPL or other leagues or in international cricket, are a little bit different,” Albie said.
He feels players who are used to high-pressure matches will actually enjoy such big moments.
“Guys that can handle that pressure, they actually will thrive in those circumstances where there’s a bit more pressure on the games, so I’m not too worried,” he added.
As India and South Africa get ready for this huge clash, the spotlight may well be on the Morkel family as much as the players on the field.