In a major development for the Indian men’s cricket team, Morne Morkel has been officially appointed as their new bowling coach, with his contract set to commence on September 1. This significant announcement was confirmed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, marking a new chapter in Morkel’s illustrious career.
Morkel, who was chosen for this prestigious role, unfortunately, could not accompany the Indian team during their recent tour of Sri Lanka because of personal issues. In his absence, the responsibility was temporarily handed over to Sairaj Bahutule, who took charge for the six white-ball matches as an interim measure. The team is now gearing up for an exciting home series against Bangladesh, which will start with the Chennai Test on September 19, where Morkel will finally take over his duties.
At 39, Morkel brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Indian coaching staff. He will be working under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir, a former cricketer with whom he has shared a successful working relationship previously at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The recommendation for Morkel’s appointment to this crucial role is believed to have come directly from Gambhir, as reported by Cricbuzz.
During their tenure at LSG, Gambhir and Morkel developed a strong professional rapport. Gambhir served the franchise as a mentor for two years, and despite his departure to join Kolkata Knight Riders and head coach Andy Flower’s move to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Morkel continued to contribute significantly as the bowling coach under the new head coach Justin Langer.
In another notable stint, Morkel was the bowling coach for the Pakistan team during last year’s ODI World Cup held in India. However, he resigned from his role months before his contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was set to expire, highlighting his willingness to embrace new challenges ahead.
Gautam Gambhir’s coaching unit is already a robust setup, currently boasting of former cricketers Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches. T Dilip remains the fielding coach, a position he has held since Rahul Dravid’s regime. The addition of Morkel, with his vast international experience, is expected to further strengthen this lineup, potentially giving the Indian team an edge in forthcoming series.
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Morne Morkel’s cricketing journey has been quite remarkable. Born in South Africa, he emerged as one of the most prominent pacers of his era, boasting an impressive international career. His ability to deliver sharp bouncers and well-disguised slower deliveries made him a formidable opponent on the field. He played a crucial role for the South African national team in both Test and one-day formats, earning widespread recognition and respect for his contributions.
His transition from player to coach has been seamless and promising. Having worked with international teams and IPL franchises, Morkel has gained valuable insights into the strategic aspects of the game. His tenure with the Pakistan team during the ODI World Cup is a testament to his capability in identifying and nurturing bowling talent, refining techniques, and devising effective game plans.
The upcoming series against Bangladesh will be a litmus test for Morkel in his new role. Indian fans and cricket enthusiasts nationwide have high expectations, banking on his expertise to elevate the team’s performance, especially the bowling unit. The players, too, seem optimistic about learning and growing under his guidance.
As the Indian team prepares for the upcoming matches, the inclusion of Morne Morkel in the coaching staff promises a renewed focus on developing a world-class bowling attack. With the right blend of experience and innovative strategies, the future looks bright for Indian cricket. Observers will keenly watch as the series against Bangladesh unfolds, hoping to witness the positive impacts of Morkel’s coaching.
In conclusion, Morne Morkel’s appointment as the bowling coach of the senior Indian men’s cricket team marks an exciting new phase. With his contract starting on September 1, all eyes will be on the upcoming home series against Bangladesh to see how his expertise and coaching prowess translate into on-field success for the Indian team.