Why Morne Morkel Appointed as Bowling Coach? Here is the Reason

Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel has been appointed as the new bowling coach for the Indian men’s cricket team, he will take over from Paras Mhambrey and will begin his role with the upcoming Bangladesh series, starting with the first Test in Chennai on September 19. His tenure will extend through to the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.

Morkel, a veteran of 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is for South Africa with a total of 544 international wickets, is expected to join the team at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru early next month. He is also expected to observe the ongoing Duleep Trophy matches and engage with NCA head VVS Laxman and head of bowling Troy Cooley.

Sources indicate that Morkel’s appointment was made directly on Gambhir’s recommendation, bypassing other potential candidates like Lakshmipathy Balaji and R Vinay Kumar. A BCCI insider revealed, “The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) was responsible for selecting the head coach. However, when it came to the support staff, it was crucial that Gambhir’s preferences were honored. Having worked with Morkel, Gambhir holds him in high regard as a bowling coach.”

Morkel’s expertise is expected to be invaluable, particularly with a challenging series against Australia in Australia looming in late November, followed by a five-Test tour of England next year. His experience in these conditions is seen as a significant asset, especially as India looks to strengthen its pace attack for red-ball cricket.

During his IPL tenure, Morkel has closely observed the next generation of Indian fast bowlers, including Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Yash Thakur. It’s believed that he worked extensively with Mayank over the last two IPL seasons, despite the player’s injury struggles.

Morkel’s primary task will be navigating the transition phase of India’s pace attack as Mohammed Shami approaches the latter stages of his career and Jasprit Bumrah requires additional support in red-ball cricket, alongside Mohammed Siraj.

Prior to this role, Morkel had a brief stint with the Pakistan cricket team during the last ODI World Cup, although he stepped down before his contract ended.