Renowned South African bowler Morne Morkel has been appointed as the bowling coach for the senior India men’s cricket team, as confirmed by Jay Shah, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The contract will officially take effect on September 1. This appointment brings in a wealth of experience and tactical expertise to the Indian coaching staff ahead of a busy international schedule.
Morkel, who had prior commitments, was unable to join the Indian team on their recent tour of Sri Lanka. During this period, Sairaj Bahutule stepped in as the interim bowling coach, guiding the team through six intense white-ball matches. Morkel is now set to assume his coaching role for the upcoming home series against Bangladesh, which will commence with a Test match in Chennai on September 19.
The 39-year-old veteran is expected to fortify the Indian bowling lineup by leveraging his vast experience and knowledge. His appointment also reunited him with Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian team, with whom he worked previously at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). According to reliable sources, it was Gambhir who recommended Morkel to the BCCI for the position of bowling coach.
Gambhir and Morkel share a productive and strong working relationship, finely tuned during their tenure at LSG. Gambhir’s mentorship at LSG helped Morkel grow into his role, while Morkel’s expertise bolstered the team’s bowling unit. Although Gambhir left LSG to join Kolkata Knight Riders, and head coach Andy Flower moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Morkel continued with the franchise under the guidance of new head coach Justin Langer.
Morkel’s coaching portfolio is impressive and spans various teams and formats. He previously served as the bowling coach for Pakistan during the ODI World Cup held in India last year. However, he resigned from this role months before the expiration of his contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). His brief tenure saw him contributing significantly to the Pakistan bowling attack, adding a blend of experience and youthful energy.
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In addition to Morkel and Gambhir, the Indian coaching team also benefits from the expertise of Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, who are serving as assistant coaches. Moreover, T Dilip, who worked under the previous regime led by Rahul Dravid, will continue in his role as the fielding coach. This blend of experience and fresh perspectives aims to elevate the Indian team to new heights.
Morkel’s appointment as India’s bowling coach comes at a crucial time when the team is gearing up for a series of significant fixtures. Under his guidance, the bowlers are expected to tighten their techniques and strategies, adding more depth and dynamism to the Indian bowling arsenal. Known for his disciplined approach and deep understanding of bowling mechanics, Morkel’s methods will likely enhance the performance of both seasoned and emerging Indian bowlers.
The upcoming home series against Bangladesh marks the beginning of Morkel’s journey with the Indian team. This stint is not only vital for the team but is also an opportunity for Morkel to showcase his coaching prowess on an international platform. The series, kicking off with a Test in Chennai, is expected to be a litmus test for Morkel’s strategies and his ability to adapt to the team’s dynamics swiftly.
As the buzz around Morkel’s appointment continues to build, fans and cricket analysts are eagerly awaiting the impact of his coaching on the Indian team. The collaboration with Gambhir is particularly anticipated to bring a strategic edge, given their successful run with LSG. This synergistic partnership, along with the comprehensive coaching team, forms a formidable support system for the players.
In summary, Morne Morkel’s induction as the bowling coach for the India men’s cricket team represents a strategic move by the BCCI. His vast experience, combined with the rapport he shares with head coach Gautam Gambhir, is expected to benefit the team significantly. As the Indian team prepares for their home series against Bangladesh, the spotlight is on Morkel to steer the bowling unit towards achieving remarkable performance milestones.