REVEALED: How Morne Morkel beat the odds to become India's bowling coach after BCCI rejected these 2 star candidates for big role?

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel in this frame. (Getty)
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel in this frame. (Getty)

Highlights:

Morne Morkel has become India's new bowling coach.

Reportedly, Morne Morkel was chosen over Lakshmipathy Balaji and R Vinay Kumar for the coveted role.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the appointment of Morne Morkel as India's new bowling coach. The former South African fast bowler, known for his coaching expertise with the Pakistan cricket team and the Lucknow Super Giants, will hold the position until 2027.

 

Morne Morkel Appointed India's Bowling Coach

 

Morkel's appointment comes at the recommendation of head coach Gautam Gambhir, with whom he previously collaborated at the Lucknow Super Giants. With an impressive international career spanning 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is, Morkel brings a wealth of experience to the role.

The South African coach is set to commence his duties at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru next month. His initial responsibilities will include observing the Duleep Trophy matches and engaging with key figures such as VVS Laxman and Troy Cooley, the head of bowling at the NCA.

 

ALSO READ: Vinesh Phogat verdict: Rule that costed Indian wrestler silver medal was amended by UWW in 2017

 

Reports suggest that Morne Morkel's appointment as India's bowling coach was a direct result of head coach Gautam Gambhir's recommendation. Other potential candidates, including Lakshmipathy Balaji and R Vinay Kumar, were reportedly overlooked in favor of Morkel.

 

"The Cricket Advisory Committee's (CAC) mandate was to interview the candidates for the head coach. When it came to the choice of support staff, it was imperative that Gambhir's choice prevailed. He has worked with Morne and thinks of him highly as a bowling coach," a BCCI source privy to the development told PTI.

 

Morne Morkel will begin his role as India's bowling coach during the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. However, the true measure of his impact will be evident during the team's tour of Australia, where they will strive for a historic third consecutive Test series victory.

 

"Also with the big series against Australia coming up Down Under from last week of November, there isn't a better choice than the South African, who has himself enjoyed fair bit of success over there. Also there will be the five-Test tour of England next year with a potential sixth match if India reach WTC final."

 

ALSO READ: 'Maybe by 2028, I can produce 20 or 40 players': Coach PR Sreejesh aims to become Rahul Dravid of Indian hockey after retirement

 

Morkel Selected Over Other Candidates

 

Reports indicate that Lakshmipathy Balaji and R Vinay Kumar were not considered for the role of India's bowling coach once Morne Morkel emerged as the preferred choice. The decision to appoint Morkel was likely influenced by the desire to build upon the success achieved under his predecessor, Paras Mhambrey. As one half of the formidable fast bowling pair alongside Dale Steyn, Morkel is a highly respected figure in the cricketing world. His extensive experience playing in India has provided him with valuable insights into local conditions. Additionally, his coaching stint in the IPL has afforded him the opportunity to closely observe India's emerging fast bowlers, including promising talents like Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Yash Thakur.

Many experts believe that Morkel developed a strong working relationship with Mayank Yadav during their time together at the IPL, despite the latter's injury setbacks.

 

Morkel Faces Challenges in India Role

 

Morne Morkel's tenure as India's bowling coach presents several challenges. As Mohammed Shami approaches the latter stages of his career, Morkel will need to effectively manage the transition. Moreover, Jasprit Bumrah requires more consistent support, particularly in Test cricket, beyond Mohammed Siraj. Morkel's previous coaching experience includes a stint with the Pakistan cricket team until the end of the ODI World Cup last year. Notably, he resigned from the position before his contract concluded. Unlike many cricket teams, India has historically not employed a dedicated spin bowling coach. While former director Ravi Shastri was a skilled left-arm spinner as a player, the current setup involves Sairaj Bahutule, a member of the NCA coaching staff, occasionally accompanying the senior team.

 

MORE ON SPORTS TAK: 

5 maidens, 5 wickets; Yuzvendra Chahal makes strong statement for his Champions Trophy contention with stunning debut in One-day Cup

Umran Malik not playing in Buchi Babu tournament because of dengue, rues getting injured during Ranji Trophy

'Felt like she was hiding her pain with that smile... they snatched it from her': PR Sreejesh recalls meeting Vinesh Phogat before bronze medal match