"India will blow most teams away on their day"

Albie Morkel

Discarded South African allrounder Albie Morkel has said that the present Indian team can demolish any opposition on their day and they showed the ability they possess in their comprehensive win over South Africa on Sunday. Meanwhile, despite South Africa’s loss, the 33-year-old was optimistic about the AB de Villiers-led side bouncing back in the tournament.

“Of course I did (watch the game) and the outcome was unexpected. It surely was not the best day out for the Proteas. India on their day will blow most teams away and that is what happened at the MCG. Having said that, South Africa will bounce back," Morkel told PTI on Wednesday.

Morkel picks his WC semi-finalists

When he was asked as to why the Proteas have failed to stand up in big ticket encounters, the former Chennai Super Kings all-rounder said that the fact that the big players haven't stood up to be counted could be the reason behind them not having crossed the final hurdle.

“It is difficult to pinpoint exactly why this has been the case. You need your senior players to stand up in big games and India have been very good in that regard. Maybe this time it will be the turn of Proteas,” he said.

Morkel also picked South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and India to make it to the semi-finals of the World Cup, and hoped that his countrymen would go all the way and win their maiden global event.

“Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India are my picks. Maybe it won't work out that way but for me those are the four best teams. Personally, I hope the Proteas go all the way this time. They have got a strong squad yes but I do think the allrounder's position is not settled yet," the all-rounder added.