Morne Morkel to join Team India as bowling coach
It looks like Morne Morkel is finally coming into Team India. There has been a lot of speculation about India’s next bowling coach ever since Paras Mhambrey left after the T20 World Cup last month, but now the former South African pacer could be included in the Indian dressing room next month when India take on Bangladesh for a two-Test series.
According to Cricbuzz, Morkel will work closely with head coach Gautam Gambhir, who started his tenure with a stunning win in the T20I series against Sri Lanka on Sunday. It was earlier reported that Morkel Morkel would join the Indian camp for the Sri Lanka tour, but the Proteas great had to fly back home to take care of his father’s health.
Part of Indian team management
In Sri Lanka, Sairaj Bahutule is currently part of the Indian team management as the bowling coach, a decision taken with regard to the spin-friendly surfaces in the country. It is unclear whether Bahutule will continue with the team after Morkel’s potential arrival; The South African does not have particular expertise in spin-bowling support. With five of India’s Tests scheduled in home conditions in the current World Test Championship cycle, it will be interesting to see if the team management sticks with Bahutule or ropes in the star former South African pacer.
If Bahutule retains his position, the team’s coaching staff will become very large, comprising head coach Gambhir, two assistant coaches (Abhishek Nair and Ryan ten Doeschate), bowling coach Morne Morkel, fielding coach T Dilip and a spin bowling coach. There are six coaches in total, raising concerns that the coaching staff could be too large.
Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel is set to join Team India as the bowling coach next month. Known for his remarkable pace and consistency, Morkel brings a wealth of experience to the role, aiming to enhance India’s bowling prowess ahead of crucial series and tournaments.
His appointment is expected to provide significant benefits to India’s pace attack, offering insights from his illustrious international career. Morkel’s expertise will be particularly valuable in mentoring young bowlers and refining the skills of the existing squad, making his addition a highly anticipated and strategic move for Team India.
Joined Pakistan men’s team as fast bowling coach
Morkel was associated with the Pakistan men’s team as fast bowling coach during the ODI World Cup last year and has also played with Lucknow Super Giants in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League.
India off to a great start under Gambhir
The duo of Gambhir and newly-appointed T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav made a stellar start to their respective tenures and took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series against Sri Lanka. In the rain-affected second T20I on Sunday, India outclassed their opponents by achieving the low target of 78 runs in just 6.3 overs.
Morne Morkel to become India’s bowling coach
Former South African pacer Morne Morkel is set to be officially appointed as the new bowling coach. Morkel, who has previously worked with Gambhir at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) under Gambhir’s captaincy, was the preferred choice for the Indian head coach. According to reports, Gambhir’s request for Morkel has been fulfilled by the BCCI, indicating a strategic change in the team’s coaching setup.
Excitement is building around this change, with many eager to see how Morne Morkel’s expertise will impact India’s bowling strategies. According to reports in Cricbuzz, Morkel will take charge of the bowling department from the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. His official appointment is expected to be confirmed before the team’s home series begins in September.
India is currently playing a three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka. India have won the first two matches and clinched the series under new captain Suryakumar Yadav. The third T20 match will be played on July 30. This will be followed by a three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka starting August 2. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will return to the squad for this 50-over encounter. Rohit will captain the Indian team in this series.
Gautam Gambhir vs BCCI: First time
Basically, the BCCI has given the head coach a free hand to choose his support staff. There were very few changes in the support staff of the Indian men’s cricket team during the tenures of Anil Kumble, Ravi Shastri and Rahul Dravid. Ravi Shastri went ahead with his own choices, going against the recommendations of the Cricket Advisory Committee headed by Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman.
Conclusion
With only ten days left for Gautam Gambhir to begin coaching Team India for the T20 series in Sri Lanka, the current NCA coaching staff is expected to work as interim assistants under the former Indian opener. Discussions are underway between Gambhir and the board to finalise the coaching setup before the series begins.
