Morne Morkel Takes Over as India's Bowling Coach
Morne Morkel, the ex-South African cricketer, has been appointed as the bowling coach of the senior India men's team with his contract beginning on September 1. The information was confirmed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. Due to personal issues, Morkel couldn't join the Indian team's previous tour of Sri Lanka, having Sairaj Bahutule serve in an interim capacity.
Assuming duties with the home series against Bangladesh, Morkel will kick-start his role from the Chennai Test taking place on September 19. Morkel, in his new capacity of 39, will be part of the Indian coaching staff working under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir. The two previously worked together at the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League where Gambhir reportedly recommended Morkel to BCCI for the bowling coach role.
The association between Gambhir and Morkel at LSG lasted for two years, even after Gambhir's departure to Kolkata Knight Riders and with Andy Flower shifting to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Morkel stayed with the franchise as the bowling coach working under new coach Justin Langer. Prior to this, Morkel served as the bowling coach for the Pakistani team during last year's ODI World Cup in India but resigned a few months before his contract termination with the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Adding to Gambhir's coaching team are Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches while T Dilip from Rahul Dravid's regime remains the fielding coach.
