In a significant move, former South African cricketer Morne Morkel has been appointed as the bowling coach of the senior India men’s cricket team. The development comes into effect on September 1 and was officially confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary, Jay Shah.
The cricketing fraternity was eager to see Morkel join the Indian team on their recent tour to Sri Lanka. However, due to personal commitments, he could not be part of the squad. In his absence, Sairaj Bahutule filled in as the interim bowling coach for the six white-ball matches during that tour. Now, with Morkel on board, he is set to take charge for the forthcoming home series against Bangladesh, starting with the Chennai Test match on September 19.
Morne Morkel, aged 39, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Indian cricket setup. He will be integrated into a coaching framework led by Gautam Gambhir. The two have a history of working together at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where Gambhir played a mentoring role for two years. Even after adding further responsibilities, Gambhir recommended Morkel’s appointment to the BCCI, as first reported by Cricbuzz.
The collaborative relationship between Gambhir and Morkel has been nothing short of extraordinary. During their time at LSG, they forged a robust connection which proved crucial to the team’s strategies and performance. When Gambhir moved to Kolkata Knight Riders and the head coach Andy Flower transitioned to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Morkel remained a steady presence at LSG, continuing his role as the bowling coach under the new head coach, Justin Langer.
Morkel’s portfolio also includes international coaching stints. He previously served as the bowling coach for the Pakistan national team during the ODI World Cup in India last year. Despite his productive tenure, Morkel resigned from the role several months before his contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was due to expire.
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Heading into his new role, Morkel joins a talented coaching cohort that Gambhir has meticulously built around the Indian team. Alongside Gambhir, the team includes assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate. They bring their skill sets and tactical acumen to the table, further strengthening the coaching unit. Additionally, T Dilip, who has served as the fielding coach under the previous leadership of Rahul Dravid, will continue in his role.
The BCCI, under its current administration, has been strategically assembling a coaching staff that can foster a winning culture. The appointment of Morkel is seen as a step toward fulfilling that vision. Morkel’s experience, both as a player and as a coach, makes him well-equipped to address the challenges and expectations of guiding India’s bowling attack.
As the Indian team prepares for the Bangladesh series, they do so with a sense of optimism bolstered by Morkel’s track record. Throughout his illustrious playing career, Morkel was known for his powerful bowling and strategic mindset. As a coach, he has demonstrated an ability to adapt and impart his knowledge effectively to foster young talent.
The journey for Morkel and the Indian bowling contingent begins soon, with the Chennai Test match setting the stage for a series that Indian fans and cricket aficionados worldwide are ardently awaiting. The coming months will test the synergy of the coaching team and the execution of their strategies on the field.
In conclusion, Morkel’s integration into the Indian cricketing fabric is a testament to his coaching prowess and the faith entrusted in him by the BCCI. His tenure as the bowling coach kicks off amid high expectations and the promise of elevating the Indian bowling prospects to greater heights. As the cricketing calendar unfolds, all eyes will be on how Morkel’s strategic inputs translate into performances, particularly in the high-stakes environment of international cricket. The Indian cricket community extends a warm welcome to Morne Morkel, hoping his expertise will be the cornerstone of many forthcoming victories.