Despite the high expectations that come with the coaching role, Albie Morkel is confident in elder brother Morne’s abilities to tackle the challenges during his tenure. Albie is hopeful that Morne as India men’s cricket team’s bowling coach will win the trust of millions of Indians.
Morne will be a key member in the new head coach Gautam Gambhir’s coaching staff. Morkel steps into the position following the impressive tenures of Bharat Arun and Paras Mhambrey. He is India's first foreign coach since Duncan Fletcher.
"It goes without saying that being on the Indian team's coaching staff is probably the biggest responsibility or coaching job out there. The passion for the sport and the success that the team had in the past makes it a job with no room for error. He will be surrounded by some very good players who have achieved a lot, so I guess, for him, it's a matter of earning their trust and believe that he can help to reach their full potential day in and day out," Albie told Mid-day.
The Indian pace-bowling attack has been a powerhouse in the past decade. Morkel’s primary challenge will be to nurture and develop the next generation of fast bowlers. While the team has experienced pacers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh, identifying and cultivating future talent is crucial.
On Morne working with Bumrah
The most interesting thing to witness will be the camaraderie and bond Morne shares with India’s pace spearhead Bumrah.
All eyes will be on how Morne helps India’s pace bowling spearhead Bumrah. Albie is uncertain about Morne’s exact thought on India’s in-form bowler who has tormented batters with his unique action and pace.
"Once again, I don’t know what his exact thoughts would be (on Bumrah), but Jasprit is the best all-format bowler in the world. He is very special and I’m sure Morne would love to work with him”.
Morne’s coaching stints
Morne was part of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) coaching staff. He worked with Gambhir who was LSG’s mentor till 2023. Later, the 39-year-old also served as Pakistan men’s cricket team bowling coach. He was with the team during ODI World Cup 2023.
Former Proteas pacer will join the Indian team ahead of home Test series against Bangladesh. His tenure starts on September 1, 2024.
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