Morne Morkel Appointed as New Bowling Coach for Indian Cricket Team

Morne Morkel has been confirmed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah as the new bowling coach of the senior India men's team. His contract will begin on September 1. Previously, Morkel had been unable to join the Indian team for the tour of Sri Lanka due to personal issues. During that time, Sairaj Bahutule filled his shoes in an interim capacity for the six white-ball matches.

Morkel, who is 39, will now be a part of the Indian coaching team, led by Gautam Gambhir, with whom he formerly worked with at the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League. It was Gambhir's recommendation, as reported by Cricbuzz, that led the BCCI to appoint Morkel as the bowling coach. 

Gambhir and Morkel have shared a strong professional bond during their time at Lucknow Super Giants, where Gambhir was a mentor for two years. When Gambhir moved to the Kolkata Knight Riders and ex-head coach Andy Flower to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Morkel remained with the franchise, continuing his role as a bowling coach under new head coach, Justin Langer. 

Morkel's past experiences also include serving as the bowling coach for the Pakistan team during last year's ODI World Cup held in India. However, Morkel resigned from the role months ahead of his contract expiry date with the Pakistan Cricket Board. 

Gautam Gambhir's coaching team comprises assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, with T Dilip continuing his role as the fielding coach, having previously served under Rahul Dravid's regime.