Morkel calls for fresh white-ball start after 'disappointing' Test series

India come into this three-match ODI series still carrying the sting of a Test series whitewash at home, but bowling coach Morne Morkel believes that the quick turnaround offers the team a chance to reset. He feels this series enables them to put the "disappointing" fortnight behind, tap into the fresh personnel available and inject some much-needed momentum back into the dressing room.

"Obviously, it was a disappointing two weeks for us, but we had a couple of days now to reflect and I think the important thing now is to give all our energy into the white-ball team," Morkel said. "We've been playing a lot of good white-ball cricket. It's a couple of new faces, but fresh energy into the squad now with Virat and Rohit and them coming back. Excited for the next couple of weeks now with playing white ball cricket."

Even though most of the white-ball attention is on the T20 format, with India looking to defend their World Cup title at home in a couple of months, Morkel stressed that this ODI series still holds plenty of value.

"Preparation for the T20 world cup is one thing but every time you put on the Indian jersey, you are representing the country and you are representing lots of people, the fans standing outside the gate, supporting us and waving us and cheering us on. For me, preparation is one thing, but for me it's playing good cricket for all the cricket lovers there and the cricket supporters.

"I think that would be the focus, to bring a bit of momentum back into the Indian dressing room after a disappointing two weeks and by that is to put all other thoughts aside and just play good, solid white ball cricket starting in two days' time," Morkel said.

Morkel warned that South Africa will arrive with confidence and will be a hard team to beat.

"Look, it's a change of colour by clothing and it's a change of ball which always brings a different energy," Morkel said. "But I feel you know the South African team, they have that momentum with them and a confident Proteas team is a dangerous team. It will be important to start well, for us to play good cricket over the next week or two, because they're here to win.

"Luckily, we have got some good experience ahead now in the team. For us, it is now our focus for the next two days. Give ourselves the best opportunity to prepare well and go out there and put the last couple of weeks behind us and really focus on playing solid cricket."

With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning, questions are abound about whether they will be able to play the 50-over World Cup in two years' time.

"I feel that their bodies can do that. It is still a long way away. The World Cup, by all means," Morkel said. "I have played many games against them. I have had sleepless nights bowling to them. So, I know as a bowler what goes through your preparation playing against them. So, for me, definitely onboard with that."

India will be without ODI captain Shubman Gill (neck injury) and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer (spleen injury) but the good news is that both are making steady progress in their recoveries and are expected to return soon.

"I think the best is for the medical team to update that," Morkel said. "I spoke to Shubman two days ago just to check in with him and he is recovering well. So, that is pleasing to hear.

"Shreyas has also started his rehab, which is great. So, we are looking forward to welcoming them back into the squad. The good thing is that they are healthy and they are starting their preparation on their way back into the team."