According to a report by Cricbuzz, former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel has been appointed as the new bowling coach for the Indian men's cricket team. Morkel will officially join the coaching staff on September 1, ahead of India's home series against Bangladesh, which begins with the first Test in Chennai on September 19.
Morkel is set to work alongside head coach Gautam Gambhir and assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate. Morkel's appointment comes after he was unable to participate in India’s recent tour of Sri Lanka due to personal reasons, with Sairaj Bahutule stepping in as the interim bowling coach for that series.
The 39-year-old Morkel has built a notable coaching resume, having served as the bowling coach for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and for the Durban Super Giants in the SA20 league. He has also held the role of bowling coach for Pakistan's men’s cricket team.
Morkel’s association with Gambhir dates back to their time at LSG in the IPL, where they developed a strong working relationship. It is believed that Gambhir played a key role in recommending Morkel for the bowling coach position. Their collaboration dates even further back, as the two were teammates at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for three seasons in the IPL.
As a player, Morkel was renowned for his height (6'5") and his ability to generate extra bounce. From 2006 to 2018, he took 309 wickets in 86 Test matches at an average of 27.67, along with 188 wickets in 117 ODIs at an average of 25.32. Morkel formed a formidable bowling partnership with Dale Steyn that was instrumental in South Africa's successes during that period.
Morkel's expertise and experience will be key assets for the Indian bowling unit as they prepare for crucial upcoming series, including the home Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand, followed by the challenging tour of Australia.