Dubai: India's bowling coach Morne Morkel feels the team has yet to deliver a "complete game" in the ongoing Asia Cup, and he expects the batting unit to step up under pressure in the final against Pakistan on Sunday. Morkel noted that while the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy have proved effective, India's batting has not fully impressed in tough scenarios, apart from flashes like Abhishek Sharma's performance.

“I don't think in this tournament so far, we've played the complete game. After every game, there has to be discussions of areas we would like to improve and get better on. So, it's just a general thinking that when put a little bit under pressure, we need to get sharper,” Morkel said ahead of the high-stakes final.

He identified key areas in the batting that need enhancement, stating, “If we start with the batting, can we on tough conditions, rotate strike a little bit better? Can we protect partnerships a little bit? Because for a new batter walking in here is quite tough to start, but still have that aggressive mindset.”

Regarding bowling, Morkel highlighted the need for precise execution, especially in the opening overs. “From a bowling point of view, let's talk specifically about the first six or the first 10 overs. How we can improve with our lengths, with our accuracy, with our thinking, with ball in hand. In those middle phases, just sort of our over-sequence in terms of maybe bringing in an odd yorker,” he elaborated, noting that slower pitches have encouraged bowlers to use off-pace deliveries, but batters are beginning to adapt.

He emphasised that the team possesses the skills required for high-pressure matches but needs clearer thinking when challenged. “The boys have got all the skills. They have played in a lot...But I just think for this group, when put under a little bit of pressure, we just need to have more clarity in thinking. At the end of the day, we can have all the plans, but we still need to execute better,” Morkel remarked, referencing the team's inconsistent showing against Sri Lanka.

Reflecting on India’s progress under Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy, Morkel remains pragmatic about winning ugly if necessary. “We (as team) by no means are a finished article, and we know that. But luckily, we have won, and we have won sometimes in ugly fashion, but we will take that. And as a group, always take the learning and look to improve and take it on Sunday,” he added.

With inputs from PTI