In a significant development for Indian cricket, South African cricket legend Morne Morkel has been appointed as the bowling coach of the senior India men’s team. His contract officially starts on September 1, a move confirmed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. Morkel’s inclusion in the Indian coaching lineup is expected to bring a wealth of experience and skill to the team, which is gearing up for a challenging cricket season ahead.
Morne Morkel, who was previously unable to accompany the Indian squad on their recent tour of Sri Lanka due to personal reasons, will now step into the role vacated temporarily by Sairaj Bahutule. Bahutule had been serving as an interim coach during the six white-ball matches held against the Sri Lankan team. With the home series against Bangladesh beginning with the Chennai Test on September 19, Morkel’s expertise is anticipated to be a major asset for the Indian bowlers as they prepare for the encounters.
The 39-year-old Morkel will join a coaching staff headed by Gautam Gambhir. Notably, their professional rapport is not new; the two have earlier worked together at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League. According to inside sources, including a report by Cricbuzz, it was indeed Gambhir who recommended Morkel to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for this pivotal role of bowling coach.
During their stint together at LSG, Morkel and Gambhir developed a significant and mutually beneficial working relationship. Gambhir held the role of mentor for two years while Morkel served as a bowling coach. Despite Gambhir’s departure to join the Kolkata Knight Riders and head coach Andy Flower moving to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Morkel remained loyal to the LSG franchise. Under the new head coach Justin Langer, Morkel continued to contribute significantly, ensuring a solid foundation for the franchise’s bowling department.
Adding to his extensive coaching resume, Morkel had also been the bowling coach for the Pakistan national team during the ODI World Cup held in India the previous year. However, he opted to resign from his position with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) a few months before his contract was to end. His resignation marked the conclusion of an important chapter in his coaching career, paving the way for his new role with the Indian team.
Morkel’s addition to India’s coaching staff will see him work alongside some seasoned professionals.
. Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate are currently serving as assistant coaches, both bringing their respective expertise and past cricketing experiences to the table. T Dilip, maintaining continuity within the setup, will continue in his role as the fielding coach, having previously served under Rahul Dravid’s regime. This dynamic coaching team, under Gambhir’s leadership, is keen on ensuring that the Indian squad is well-prepared and strategically equipped for their future challenges.
Morkel brings an exceptional record from his playing days, which will undoubtedly inspire and guide the Indian bowlers. His international career spanned over a decade, during which he was one of South Africa’s premier fast bowlers. Known for his height, pace, and ability to extract bounce, Morkel was a formidable force in world cricket. His profound understanding of diverse playing conditions and strategic acumen makes him a valuable addition to the Indian team.
As India gears up for the upcoming home series against Bangladesh, Morkel’s immediate focus will be on working closely with the bowlers to fine-tune their skills and strategies. His expertise will be crucial in helping the bowlers adapt to different match situations and perform consistently at the highest level. Additionally, Morkel’s experience of playing in various leagues around the world will offer Indian bowlers insights into handling pressure in high-stakes matches.
This strategic move by the BCCI underscores their commitment to strengthening the Indian cricket team’s coaching setup. By bringing in an international expert like Morkel, who has a proven track record both as a player and a coach, the BCCI aims to elevate the performance of their bowling unit. Fans and cricket pundits are eagerly awaiting to see the impact Morkel will have, especially with such a promising roster of young and experienced bowlers in the Indian squad.
In conclusion, the appointment of Morne Morkel as the bowling coach of the Indian men’s cricket team is a forward-thinking decision by the BCCI, aimed at leveraging his vast experience and expertise. As the team prepares for the home series against Bangladesh, all eyes will be on Morkel and the Indian bowlers, with hopes high for a compelling performance under his guidance. The success of this collaboration could very well set a new precedent in the world of cricket coaching and performance.