Former South African pace spearhead Morne Morkel is set to don a new hat as the bowling coach of the Indian cricket team. His tenure commences on September 1, with his maiden assignment being the two-Test series against Bangladesh. This appointment marks a reunion of sorts for Morkel with Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir, the duo having shared the dressing room at the Kolkata Knight Riders and later, the coaching staff of the Lucknow Super Giants.
The news of Morkel’s appointment, which had been the subject of speculation for months, was confirmed by BCCI secretary Jay Shah. His arrival marks a significant shift for Indian cricket, as the board has opted for a foreign coach for the first time since Duncan Fletcher’s tenure. Morkel replaces Paras Mhambrey in the role.
Interestingly, Morkel’s coaching journey has seen him work with both India and Pakistan. Before joining the Indian setup, he was the bowling coach for Babar Azam’s Pakistan side during the 2023 ODI World Cup. While his stint with the Green Army didn’t yield the desired results, as Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals, it provided him with valuable experience.
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Prior to his international coaching roles, Morkel was an integral part of the Lucknow Super Giants coaching staff. He worked closely with then-mentor Gautam Gambhir and later, head coach Justin Langer, nurturing young Indian talent like Mayank Yadav. His coaching CV also includes stints with Namibia and the Durban Super Giants.
BREAKING:
Morne Morkel appointed as the bowling coach of senior India men’s team#BCCI #India #IndianCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/I6CqsmCrBX
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) August 14, 2024
As a player, Morkel was a towering presence on the cricket field, his height and ability to generate bounce making him a nightmare for batters. Partnering with fellow fast bowler Dale Steyn, the duo formed one of the most formidable pace attacks in world cricket. His dedication and competitive spirit earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike.
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Morkel’s appointment is undoubtedly a significant step for Indian cricket. His experience, coupled with his understanding of the game, could prove to be invaluable as the team looks to strengthen its bowling department. The cricketing world will be watching with keen interest to see how the lanky South African fares in his new role.
