In a significant development for Indian cricket, Morne Morkel has been officially appointed as the bowling coach of the senior India men’s team. His contract will come into effect on September 1, marking a new chapter in the coaching staff’s roster. This crucial piece of news was verified by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, bringing a blend of excitement and anticipation to the cricketing community.
Morkel’s appointment comes at a time when the Indian cricket team is gearing up for several important fixtures. Interestingly, Morkel couldn’t accompany the Indian team on their recent tour of Sri Lanka due to personal reasons. In his absence, Sairaj Bahutule took over the responsibilities in an interim capacity for the six white-ball matches held in the island nation. Morkel is expected to take up his duties during the home series against Bangladesh, which is set to begin with the Chennai Test on September 19.
The 39-year-old, known for his exceptional bowling skills and strategic mindset, will be joining the Indian coaching staff under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership. This will not be the first time Morkel and Gambhir will be working together; they share a history of collaboration at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). It is believed that Gambhir played a pivotal role in recommending Morkel for the position to the BCCI, a sentiment first reported by Cricbuzz.
Gambhir and Morkel have cultivated a strong working relationship over the years. During their tenure at LSG, Gambhir fulfilled the role of a mentor for two years, even as he moved on to join the Kolkata Knight Riders and head coach Andy Flower went on to lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Morkel, however, remained loyal to LSG, continuing as the bowling coach under the new head coach, Justin Langer. Their professional rapport is seen as beneficial, promising a synergistic working environment for the Indian team.
Prior to this new assignment, Morkel had a stint as the bowling coach for the Pakistan team during last year’s ODI World Cup in India. However, he resigned from his role months before his contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was due to expire.
. His early exit from the PCB contract surprised many, but it seems to have worked in India’s favor, allowing them to secure his expertise.
Gambhir’s current coaching team is a blend of seasoned professionals and upcoming talent. The team includes Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches, bringing both domestic and international experience to the table. Additionally, T Dilip, who has served as the fielding coach under the previous regime led by Rahul Dravid, will continue in his role, ensuring continuity and stability within the coaching framework.
Morkel’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture as the Indian cricket team prepares for some significant fixtures. The home series against Bangladesh is just the beginning, and the team will look to leverage Morkel’s expertise and experience to bolster their bowling lineup. His ability to mentor and guide young bowlers will be pivotal, especially as India aims to maintain its competitive edge in the international arena.
This strategic move by the BCCI reflects their commitment to strengthening the coaching staff with personnel who bring rich experience and a proven track record. Morkel’s inclusion is seen as a step toward enhancing the team’s performance, particularly in the bowling department, which has often been a focal point in India’s matches.
As the cricketing community buzzes with anticipation, all eyes will be on Morkel as he takes on this new role. His transition from a player to a coach has been seamless, and his previous coaching tenures have set a positive precedent. The collaboration with Gambhir is expected to be particularly fruitful, given their history of successful cooperation.
In conclusion, Morne Morkel’s appointment as the bowling coach of the Indian men’s senior team is a significant development. His association with celebrated cricketers and his experience in both playing and coaching augur well for the Indian squad. As he prepares to commence his duties starting September 1, the team and fans alike are optimistic about the positive impact he will bring, not just for the upcoming Bangladesh series, but for future challenges as well.