Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel is on the verge of joining the India National Cricket Team as their bowling coach, according to reports from News 18. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly in discussions with Morkel for the role.
The coaching setup of the India National Cricket Team underwent a complete overhaul following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024. Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach concluded after the tournament, leading to the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach. It was reported that Gambhir had specified to the BCCI that he would select his support staff independently, emphasizing his desire for full autonomy over team matters without external interference.
According to sources close to News 18, Gautam Gambhir, the new head coach of the India National Cricket Team, has endorsed Morne Morkel for the role of bowling coach. Despite initial names being put forward by Gambhir, including Vinay Kumar, Lakshmipathy Balaji, and Zaheer Khan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) eventually agreed to Morkel’s appointment.
However, Morkel’s formal inclusion as the bowling coach is pending completion of paperwork between him and the BCCI. As a result, he is expected to join the team only after the conclusion of the upcoming three-match T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka, beginning on July 27th.
“The formalities haven’t been completed yet but they will hopefully be done soon and Morne Morkel is likely to come on board after the Sri Lanka series.”
Gautam Gambhir and Morne Morkel have worked together at the Lucknow Super Giants. Gambhir was the mentor and Morkel served as the bowling coach of the franchise. They gelled well together and guided the team to playoffs in both the seasons they worked together. Even the players who played under them have credited them a lot.
Abhishek Nayar, Ryan Ten Doeschate and T Dilip to be part of the coaching set-up
In addition to Morne Morkel’s potential appointment as the bowling coach, Gautam Gambhir has reportedly put forward Abhishek Nayar and Ryan Ten Doeschate as candidates for assistant coaching roles with the India National Cricket Team. Their inclusion is expected to be finalized ahead of the upcoming Sri Lanka tour, with an official announcement anticipated soon.
Furthermore, it has been indicated that T Dilip is likely to continue as the team’s fielding coach. The Indian squad is scheduled to depart from Mumbai for Sri Lanka on Monday, accompanied by Ajit Agarkar, chairman of the men’s senior selection committee, and new head coach Gambhir. Ahead of their departure, both Agarkar and Gambhir are set to address the media regarding the team’s preparations and expectations.
