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Former South African allrounder Albie Morkel has addressed his brother Morne Morkel’s recent appointment as India’s new bowling coach. Albie also shared that Morne is particularly eager to work with Indian bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
Morne Morkel was recommended for the role by India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, with whom he has a long-standing professional relationship. Both Morkel and Gambhir played together for the Kolkata Knight Riders and were part of the Lucknow Super Giants’ coaching staff in 2022 and 2023.
The BCCI officially announced Morkel’s appointment a few days ago. His contract will commence on September 1 and extend through to 2027.
Albie Morkel discloses which Indian bowler his brother, Morne Morkel, would be eager to collaborate with.
In a conversation with Mid-Day, Albie Morkel expressed that Jasprit Bumrah is the bowler his brother Morne Morkel would most like to collaborate with. Albie also praised Bumrah, asserting that he is currently the leading all-format bowler globally and a truly exceptional talent.
“Not sure but Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah,” Albie Morkel said when asked which Indian bowlers – overall – Morkel admires.
“Once again, I don’t know what his exact thoughts would be, but Jasprit (Bumrah) is the best all-format bowler in the world. He is very special and I’m sure Morne (Morkel) would love to work with him,” the legendary allrounder added.
Jasprit Bumrah’s current form
Jasprit Bumrah currently serves as India’s leading fast bowler and played a pivotal role in their historic T20 World Cup 2024 victory in June.
He was a key figure in India’s triumph, taking 15 wickets in 8 matches with an impressive average of 8.26 and a remarkable economy rate of 4.17.
As one of the most reliable performers in world cricket today, Bumrah’s absence was notably felt during the ODI series against Sri Lanka, where India was defeated 0-2.
When is Jasprit Bumrah expected to return to action?
The 30-year-old fast bowler has been rested since the T20 World Cup 2024 and is expected to return for India’s upcoming three-match home Test series against New Zealand.
India’s team management is reportedly keen to have Jasprit Bumrah fully fit for the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, scheduled for later this year.
In the meantime, Morne Morkel’s debut assignment as India’s bowling coach will be the home Test series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19. At 39, Morkel is among the youngest coaches in the sport today.
Having been a top fast bowler throughout his career, Morkel brings extensive experience across all formats. His background playing on bouncy pitches in South Africa and Australia is expected to benefit the Indian bowlers, and he also has the task of nurturing the next generation of fast bowlers in India.
