In a significant development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed the appointment of Morne Morkel as the new bowling coach for the senior India men’s cricket team. The 39-year-old South African will begin his contract on September 1, 2023, a move that has been eagerly anticipated by cricket enthusiasts and pundits alike. This critical update was announced by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, ending weeks of speculation around who would take up the pivotal role.
Morkel, with his vast experience and impressive track record, brings a wealth of knowledge to the Indian squad. However, he was notably absent during the Indian team’s tour of Sri Lanka owing to personal matters. During this time, Sairaj Bahutule stepped in as the interim bowling coach, guiding the team through six white-ball matches. Now, all eyes turn to the upcoming home series against Bangladesh, where Morkel will be in action for the first time as India’s bowling coach. The series is set to open with the highly anticipated Chennai Test on September 19.
Morne Morkel is no stranger to working with the Indian cricketing establishment. He will be joining a coaching setup under the stewardship of Gautam Gambhir, someone with whom he has developed a strong professional rapport. The duo has previously worked together at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where Gambhir functioned as a mentor and Morkel took on the role of bowling coach. As reported by Cricbuzz, Gambhir was instrumental in recommending Morkel to the BCCI for this prominent position.
Their collaboration at LSG was marked by mutual respect and a shared vision, which proved advantageous for the franchise. Even after Gambhir transitioned to a new role with Kolkata Knight Riders and head coach Andy Flower joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Morkel remained a key figure at LSG. He continued his coaching duties there under Justin Langer, the new head coach, further honing his skills and gaining valuable insights into the functioning of different teams within the IPL.
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Morkel’s coaching credentials are not confined to the IPL alone. He previously served as the bowling coach for the Pakistan national team during last year’s ODI World Cup held in India. Despite an early departure from this role months before his contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was set to expire, Morkel’s influence was palpable. His tenure was marked by a focus on discipline, strategic planning, and technical refinement, traits he is expected to bring into his new role with the Indian team.
Joining Morkel on Gambhir’s coaching roster are Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, who serve as assistant coaches. Their inclusion adds another layer of experience and expertise to the coaching setup. T Dilip, a holdover from the previous coaching regime led by Rahul Dravid, will continue to serve as the fielding coach. This blend of old and new coaching staff is anticipated to create a robust support system for the Indian players, fostering an environment conducive to success.
Morkel’s appointment is seen as a strategic move aimed at bolstering India’s bowling department, especially as they gear up for a packed international calendar. His deep understanding of fast bowling mechanics, along with his ability to mentor young talent, is expected to pay rich dividends. Analysts believe that his experience of navigating high-pressure scenarios and adapting to various conditions worldwide will be invaluable for the Indian team.
In conclusion, Morne Morkel’s arrival as the new bowling coach for the Indian men’s cricket team is a promising development. As India prepares for key fixtures, including the home series against Bangladesh and other crucial tournaments, Morkel’s expertise will be critical in shaping a formidable bowling unit. Cricket fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as this new chapter unfolds, hopeful that Morkel’s influence will drive the Indian team to new heights on the international stage.