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In a significant move for Indian cricket, former South African pacer Morne Morkel has officially joined Team India as their new bowling coach ahead of the first Test in the two-match series against Bangladesh. Morkel, who was appointed to this key role by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in August, joined the squad on Friday, September 13, just days before the series opener in Chennai.
Morne Morkel’s Appointment and Arrival
Morkel, who has replaced former Indian fast bowler Paras Mhambrey, is expected to bring a fresh perspective and bolster India’s fast-bowling unit. His arrival comes at a critical time as India gears up for a busy Test season, which will include 10 matches against top cricketing nations like Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia. The first Test of the series will take place at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, starting on September 19.
The BCCI shared the news of Morkel joining the squad by posting pictures on their social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), where he was seen working with the team. Morkel’s presence is expected to be a morale booster for the Indian pace attack, given his extensive experience and skill as a fast bowler.
A Reunion with Gautam Gambhir
Interestingly, this new role for Morne Morkel also marks a reunion with former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir. The duo has previously worked together in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Morkel served as the bowling coach for LSG under Gambhir’s mentorship, and their partnership contributed to the team’s competitive performance in their first two IPL seasons.
A Solid Support Team in Place
Morkel will be joining a robust coaching team led by head coach Rahul Dravid. Gambhir, who plays a crucial role in Indian cricket’s leadership, has a strong team of aides that includes assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, as well as fielding coach T Dilip. T Dilip, who was part of the coaching staff during the 2024 T20 World Cup, has been retained for his expertise, ensuring that Team India has top-notch coaching support across all departments.
Morne Morkel’s Coaching Journey
At 39, Morkel has built an impressive coaching portfolio. Before his appointment with Team India, he had stints with the Pakistan national team and Durban Super Giants, adding to his growing coaching credentials. His experience working with international and T20 franchise teams positions him well to help India’s fast bowlers excel on the global stage.
Challenges Ahead for Morkel
Morne Morkel’s immediate challenge will be to strengthen India’s fast-bowling bench, a crucial task given the upcoming busy Test season. India is set to face not only Bangladesh but also formidable teams like New Zealand and Australia. With India playing a total of 10 Test matches this season, Morkel’s role in managing the fast-bowling workload and improving the depth of India’s bowling attack will be pivotal.
Conclusion
Morne Morkel’s appointment as Team India’s bowling coach comes at a crucial juncture for Indian cricket. With an intense Test season ahead, Morkel’s vast experience, coupled with his previous successful partnerships with key figures like Gautam Gambhir, makes him a valuable addition to India’s coaching setup. As India prepares for the opening Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, all eyes will be on how Morkel’s influence impacts the team’s bowling performance.
With Morkel at the helm, Team India’s fast bowlers will be well-prepared to take on the challenges of the upcoming season and continue their quest for dominance in world cricket.
