In a historical move aimed at strengthening the Indian men’s cricket team, former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel has been appointed as the new bowling coach. The announcement, made by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, confirmed that Morkel’s tenure will officially begin on September 1. This appointment marks a significant step forward for Indian cricket as it gears up for a busy season ahead.
Morkel was notably absent from the Indian team’s recent tour of Sri Lanka, due to personal reasons. During this period, Sairaj Bahutule filled the role in an interim capacity, overseeing six white-ball matches. However, Morkel will take charge ahead of the upcoming home series against Bangladesh, which is set to commence with a Test match in Chennai on September 19.
At 39 years of age, Morkel brings with him a wealth of experience both as a player and a coach. His inclusion in the Indian coaching staff is part of a broader strategy spearheaded by head coach Gautam Gambhir, a figure Morkel has previously worked closely with during their stint at the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL). It’s no secret that Gambhir endorsed Morkel for the role, a move that was initially reported by Cricbuzz, and later confirmed by the BCCI.
Their relationship, built on trust and mutual respect, flourished during their time at LSG. Gambhir, who served as a mentor, and Morkel, who worked as the bowling coach, developed a strong professional bond. This partnership continued even after Gambhir transitioned to the Kolkata Knight Riders and head coach Andy Flower moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore. Under the new head coach Justin Langer, Morkel continued his tenure at LSG, underscoring his ability to adapt and thrive in different coaching environments.
Morkel’s coaching credentials are not limited to the IPL. He also served as the bowling coach for the Pakistan national team during last year’s ODI World Cup held in India. However, his stint with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was cut short when he resigned several months before his contract was set to expire. This unexpected move freed him up just in time for his current assignment with the Indian team.
The coaching team under Gambhir is shaping up to be a formidable unit.
. It includes the likes of Abhishek Nayar and former Dutch cricketer Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches. Additionally, T Dilip, who was part of the previous regime led by Rahul Dravid, will continue in his role as the fielding coach. This blend of expertise and fresh perspectives aims to bring about a holistic improvement in the team’s performance.
Morne Morkel’s track record as a player speaks volumes about the potential impact he could have on the Indian team. With 309 Test wickets and 188 ODI wickets to his name, Morkel’s prowess as a fast bowler is well-recognized. His ability to deliver lethal spells in various conditions makes him an ideal mentor for the emerging and existing pace talent in the Indian squad.
The decision to focus on roping in specialists like Morkel aligns with India’s long-term plans for the future. As the cricketing calendar continues to expand, the emphasis on coaching and development cannot be overstated. Young talents emerging from the domestic circuit and the under-19 setups will now have the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business.
The upcoming series against Bangladesh will be the first real test for Morkel as India’s bowling coach. The matches, set to be played across different venues in India, will offer him a chance to assess the bowlers under varying conditions. It will also provide an initial glimpse into how well he integrates into the existing coaching framework and how effectively he can transfer his knowledge to the players.
Indian cricket fans and experts alike are optimistic about Morkel’s appointment. His stint as Pakistan’s bowling coach showed his capability to uplift a team’s performance, even under challenging circumstances. The Indian team, known for its dynamic mix of seasoned campaigners and young talents, stands to gain significantly from his insights and technical expertise.
As the Indian men’s cricket team prepares to embark on its journey under Morne Morkel’s tutelage, the anticipation is palpable. The upcoming series against Bangladesh will not only test the team’s mettle but also set the tone for what promises to be an exciting chapter in Indian cricket. With new leadership and a robust coaching staff, the future looks promising for Indian bowlers, and fans eagerly await to see the impact of Morkel’s influence on the team’s fortunes.