Morne Morkel Takes Charge as India’s New Bowling Coach

Former South African speedster Morne Morkel has been officially appointed as the bowling coach of the Indian men’s cricket team. The announcement, made by BCCI secretary Jay Shah, ends weeks of speculation surrounding the vacant role.

Morkel replaces Paras Mhambrey, who stepped down after a successful tenure with the Indian team. The new bowling coach joins head coach Gautam Gambhir, assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, and fielding coach T Dilip to complete India’s backroom staff.

The lanky fast bowler brings a wealth of experience to the role. During his illustrious career, Morkel formed a formidable pace trio with Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander, terrorizing batsmen across the globe. His ability to extract bounce and seam movement made him a nightmare for opposition batters.

Post-retirement, Morkel transitioned into coaching, taking up the role of bowling coach for the Pakistan cricket team. His stint with the Green Army was marked by the impressive development of young fast bowlers like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah.

The appointment of Morkel is seen as a strategic move by the Indian cricket board. His experience working with young fast bowlers and his understanding of the nuances of fast bowling are expected to be invaluable assets to the Indian team.

Morkel’s immediate challenge will be to work with India’s already strong pace attack, which includes the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj. He will also need to groom the next generation of fast bowlers to ensure a smooth transition.

The appointment of Morkel also brings an interesting dynamic to the coaching staff. He shares a strong rapport with head coach Gautam Gambhir, having worked together at the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League. Their combined experience and understanding of the game are expected to benefit the Indian team immensely.

As the Indian team prepares for a busy schedule, including a home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, followed by a challenging tour of Australia, Morkel’s expertise will be crucial. His ability to extract the best out of his bowlers and help them develop their skills will be key to India’s success in the coming months and years.

The appointment of Morne Morkel as the bowling coach is undoubtedly a significant step for Indian cricket. His experience, knowledge, and passion for the game make him an ideal candidate to guide India’s fast bowlers to new heights.