The India National Cricket Team is gearing up for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, which includes a three-match T20I and ODI series. This marks Gautam Gambhir’s debut as the team’s head coach, succeeding Rahul Dravid following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024.
While Gambhir has assumed the role of head coach, the finalization of his support staff is still ongoing. Reports indicate that most of the coaching positions have been filled, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is particularly focused on securing a bowling coach.
Gautam Gambhir, who was granted autonomy in selecting his support staff, has put forward recommendations for assistant coaches including Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate. According to Cricbuzz, the BCCI has approved Gambhir’s choices, paving the way for the coaching setup to be finalized ahead of the Sri Lanka tour.
Recent reports indicate that Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the India National Cricket Team, has expressed a strong interest in bringing former South African pace bowler Morne Morkel on board as the team’s bowling coach. This move comes after discussions between Morkel and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the role.
Morne Morkel, who has previously collaborated with Gambhir at the Lucknow Super Giants, is known to have a good working relationship with the coach, leading to their effective partnership. Despite the buzz surrounding Morkel potentially joining Team India, it has been clarified that he will not be part of the squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour. The delay is attributed to pending formalities between Morkel and the BCCI, indicating that his appointment may materialize after the conclusion of the white-ball series.
Earlier reports from News 18 highlighted that while discussions are ongoing, the final paperwork between Morne Morkel and the BCCI is yet to be completed, thereby ruling out his immediate involvement with the Indian team for the Sri Lanka tour.
Sairaj Bahutule to be the bowling coach of India for the Sri Lanka tour
According to recent reports from Cricbuzz, with Morne Morkel slated to join the India team after the Sri Lanka tour, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has arranged for an interim solution for the upcoming six white-ball matches against Sri Lanka starting July 27th.
Sairaj Bahutule, the current bowling coach at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), has been appointed as the temporary bowling coach for the T20Is and ODIs against the Sri Lankan team. This decision comes as part of the BCCI’s preparations for the series, ensuring continuity and support for the team’s bowling unit during this transitional period.
The coaching staff, including Gautam Gambhir, Abhishek Nayar, Ryan ten Doeschate, Sairaj Bahutule, and T Dilip, will all accompany the squad to Sri Lanka. The team is scheduled to depart on July 22nd, with Gambhir also slated to address the media in a press conference before their departure.
