The disappointing exit from the World Cup still hurts Morne Morkel.
But the South African fast bowler has the capacity and the will to shut out that miserable phase and focus on the new job at hand — leading the Delhi Daredevils attack in the IPL.
When you mention the World Cup and his team's pre-mature exit at the hands of New Zealand in the quarterfinals, Morkel turns philosophical.
“Life goes on. It's a new day. Sun will rise again and we need to move forward. Obviously, that is the disappointment that I need to deal with in South Africa,” he said following a nets session of the Daredevils at the Roshanara ground here on Friday.
New challenge
“It is a new challenge now and I want to give my best for the Daredevils. We have been working hard and the main focus is to do well for the team,” he added.
The lanky speedster, who has played 31 Tests and 44 ODIs, is now focused on fine-tuning his craft and being ready for another gruelling tournament on the heels of the World Cup.
“It takes much to change (from 50-over games to the T20 format of the IPL). I have been working hard this week on my skills all over. It is a matter of going and adopting that now. It is a matter of enjoying the atmosphere and the privilege of playing in the IPL.
“It's something new and fresh for me being part of Delhi. The World Cup was big for us and South Africa was under pressure. This is a different sort of pressure,” Morkel said.
Morkel said he sees a solid chance for the team. “I think the guys are working hard and really putting in effort. I have got a good feeling for the squad,” he said.
“We have got some good experienced guys with (Virender) Sehwag leading the troops. We know the coach (Greg Shipperd) as well. We have a very good chance. It is a matter of playing the basics very well and just staying calm…and not putting too much pressure on the side.”
Role and opportunity
The 26–year-old aptly described his role of a leading fast bowler for the Daredevils.
“It is a role and an opportunity. I ride a bit of luck, living that luck is very special. Hopefully, I will give my best and lead from the front. But it's not about me, it's about the team. I will be happy if we bowl well as a unit and bowl in partnerships. That is the most important thing,” he said.
Daredevils will meet Mumbai Indians in its very first outing on Sunday and Morkel thinks his team has a good chance even though the visiting side is a “tough opponent.”
