Former South African pacer Morne Morkel is reportedly in the running to become India’s new bowling coach, as suggested by Gautam Gambhir, the recently appointed head coach of the Indian team. Morkel, who has a wealth of coaching experience, previously served as the coach of the Pakistan team during last year’s ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in India but resigned months before his contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was set to expire.
Gambhir’s Recommendation to BCCI
Gambhir is understood to have approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to consider Morkel for the bowling coach position. Morkel, who played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is between 2006 and 2018, has already had some discussions with the BCCI about the role. Currently residing in Australia, Morkel has built a strong reputation as an effective coach both internationally and in the IPL.
Past Collaborations in IPL
Gambhir and Morkel have previously worked together at the Lucknow Super Giants during the Indian Premier League (IPL), where Gambhir served as a mentor and Morkel as the bowling coach. Even after Gambhir left to join the Kolkata Knight Riders and head coach Andy Flower moved to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Morkel continued under the new head coach Justin Langer.
Morkel’s Coaching Credentials
At 39 years old and having retired from international cricket in 2018, Morkel remains well-versed in the latest techniques of the game. Gambhir, known for collaborating with individuals he is comfortable with, is believed to be keen on having Morkel on his coaching team.
Other Candidates for the Position
Other candidates linked to the bowling coach position include Lakshmipathy Balaji, Zaheer Khan and Vinay Kumar. While the BCCI has yet to make a final decision, it is expected that a conclusion will be reached soon. One consideration is Morkel’s young family and the extensive travel required for the India job. Morkel lives in the Seaforth suburb of northern Sydney with his wife Roz Kelly, a sports presenter on Channel 9, and their two children.
Potential Replacement for Paras Mhambrey
If appointed, Morkel would replace Paras Mhambrey, who has excelled in the role over the past three years under head coach Rahul Dravid. Gambhir has also recommended Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate for other coaching positions, and the BCCI is believed to be keen on retaining fielding coach T Dilip from the outgoing Dravid regime.
The cricketing community awaits the BCCI’s final decision on this key coaching position, with Morkel emerging as a strong contender to join Gambhir’s team.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
