The BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed to PTI on Wednesday that former South Africa speed legend Morne Morkel has been appointed as the new bowling coach for the Indian cricket team. This completes the selection of Gautam Gambhir’s preferred support staff as head coach.
It is believed that the 39-year-old, who takes over for Paras Mhambrey, will become the bowling coach for the Bangladesh series beginning on September 19, with the first Test in Chennai. His term of office is set to expire at the conclusion of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
“Yes, Morne Morkel has been appointed bowling coach of the senior India men’s team,” Shah stated to PTI.
The rest of Gambhir’s support group consists of Ryan Ten Doeschate, the fielding coach, and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar.
Having worked with him at the Lucknow Super Giants throughout the Indians’ two IPL seasons as the team’s mentor, Morkel was also Gambhir’s first option.
With an impressive record of 544 international wickets, Morkel has represented South Africa in 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is, showcasing his extensive experience and prowess in the game.
At the beginning of next month, he will report to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, where he is anticipated to observe the Duleep Trophy matches. When he gets there, he will also speak with Troy Cooley, the NCA’s head of bowling, and VVS Laxman.
Sources claim that Morne Morkel was immediately selected over candidates like Lakshmipathy Balaji and R Vinay Kumar on Gambhir’s proposal.
The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) was responsible for Interviewing potential head coach candidates. However, when it came to selecting the support personnel, Gambhir’s preference was given significant weight. He’s worked with Morne Morkel and regards him highly as a bowling coach. This is why Morne Morkel was chosen over other candidates like Lakshmipathy Balaji and R Vinay Kumar, as a BCCI source revealed to PTI under anonymity.
There isn’t a better option than the South African, who has had some success there himself, especially with the important series against Australia starting in the final week of November. Also, if India makes it to the WTC final, a sixth match could be added to the five-Test tour to England the following year.”
It is acknowledged that after it became evident that Morkel would continue Mhambrey’s excellent job, Balaji and Vinay’s names were not considered.
As one half of the renowned fast bowling combo that included Dale Steyn, Morkel is a formidable bowler who has also played extensively in India, giving him a good understanding of the local conditions.
Also, his experience in the IPL has allowed him to enjoy a ringside view of India’s next crop of fast bowlers, including the most intriguing of them all — Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Yash Thakur, to mention a few.
Despite the fact that Morkel was injured for most of the previous two IPL seasons, many observers think he collaborated quite a bit with Mayank.
One of the significant challenges facing Morkel will be managing the transition period as Mohammed Shami approaches the final stages of his remarkable career. Additionally, Jasprit Bumrah requires stronger backing than Mohammed Siraj, particularly in red-ball cricket. These are areas where Morkel’s experience and guidance will be crucial.
Morkel left the Pakistani team before his contract was set to expire after working with them through the completion of the ODI World Cup last year.
Despite the fact that former director Ravi Shastri was a renowned left-arm spinner during his playing career, India has never had a spin bowling coach. Sairaj Bahutule, who works for Laxman at the NCA, has intermittently accompanied the senior team on trips.
With the appointment of renowned South African fast bowler Morne Morkel as the new bowling coach, the Indian cricket team is poised to embark on a novel chapter. With his appointment to work with India’s expanding fast-bowling brigade, Morkel—known for his deadly pace and bounce—marks a major change in the team’s coaching hierarchy.
This article will discuss Morkel’s coaching background and career in great detail, and the implications of this appointment for Indian cricket going forward.
Morne Morkel: A Synopsis of His Professional Life
It’s important to review Morkel’s remarkable cricket career before getting into his role as India’s bowling coach. Morkel, one of South Africa’s most skilled fast bowlers, has had a significant influence on the world of cricket. He took more than 300 wickets in Test cricket, 188 in ODIs, and 47 in T20Is throughout his 12-year international career. His deadly fusion of height, quickness, and precision rendered him an extremely powerful presence on any terrain.
Major Playing Accomplishments for Morkel:
Morkel is one of just a few South African bowlers to attain the milestone of over 300 Test wickets.
2012 ICC Test Team of the Year: In his prime, he was regarded as one of the world’s top bowlers.
A key component of South Africa’s domination, Morkel and Dale Steyn combined to become one of the most lethal bowling combinations in contemporary cricket history, helping the country climb to the top of the ICC Test rankings.
The Coaching Journey of Morne Morkel: From Player to Mentor
After retiring from his illustrious playing career, Morkel turned his attention to coaching. His coaching journey took off after he participated in a number of T20 tournaments, including a coaching position with the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL). This experience, coupled with his extensive knowledge of contemporary cricket, enabled him to make a seamless transition from player to coach.
His ability to relate to players and his knowledge of contemporary cricket enabled him to make a seamless transition from player to coach. Morkel is a great instructor for both beginning and experienced bowlers because of his extensive knowledge of bowling technique, fitness, and game strategies from his playing career.
The Significance of Morne Morkel’s Appointment for India
In recent years, India’s fast-bowling department has seen a massive expansion, led by players like Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah. However, there have been issues with handling injuries and consistency. With his extensive global experience on fast tracks and his knowledge of bowling in various environments, Morkel’s addition offers a new viewpoint.
What Morkel Contributes To The Team :
Technical expertise: India’s pacers will benefit from Morkel’s grasp of seam and swing, as well as reverse swing in subcontinental conditions.
Morkel’s experience playing under pressure in a number of well-known games has honed his mental fortitude, instilling confidence in his ability to guide the team in high-stakes situations.
Injury Management: Indian bowlers, who frequently suffer from stress-related injuries as a result of their demanding international schedules, will greatly benefit from Morkel’s experience with long-term injury management.
Morkel has clear plans for the Indian fast-bowling players, aiming to enhance their skills and performance, which brings a sense of hope for the team’s future.
Morkel’s new position requires him to concentrate on important facets of fast-bowling development. He will probably focus on developing the young pacers in India, helping them bowl better in any weather, and improving their mental approach to the game.
Crucial Areas of Attention for Indian Bowlers:
Getting Used to Different Pitches: Indian bowlers will benefit from Morkel’s extensive experience with both slow and fast pitches as they adjust to their various circumstances.
Mastery of Reverse Swing: Morkel is an expert in reverse swing, which is an essential weapon in the subcontinent that he can teach Indian bowlers.
Handling Pressure: Especially in major tournaments, Morkel will work closely with the bowlers to help them keep their cool and carry out their game plans.
Summary
With the appointment of Morne Morkel as bowling coach, Indian cricket enters a new phase. With his vast experience and in-depth knowledge of fast bowling, Morkel is poised to make a lasting impact on India’s bowling attack. His unique insights and technical expertise will undoubtedly help India’s pacers reach new heights, making this a game-changing move for the future of Indian cricket.