Ex-Pakistan Bowling Coach Morne Morkel in Contention to Join Gautam Gambhir’s Support Staff
Following the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as the head coach of the Indian cricket team, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is now focusing on finalizing the remaining support staff. Several high-profile names have been linked to the role of bowling coach, including Zaheer Khan, Lakshmipathy Balaji, and R Vinay Kumar. However, recent reports suggest that Gambhir has requested the BCCI to consider former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel for the position.
Morkel’s Experience and Credentials
According to Cricbuzz, the BCCI has already initiated talks with Morkel, who boasts an impressive international career with 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is for South Africa. Morkel’s coaching credentials include his recent stint as Pakistan’s bowling coach during the ODI World Cup in India. Although he resigned from his position before his contract expired, his expertise and experience have made him a sought-after candidate for the Indian team.
Gambhir and Morkel’s Professional History
Gambhir and Morkel share a professional history, having worked together at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) under head coach Andy Flower. While Gambhir moved on to become the mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Morkel stayed with LSG under the new head coach Justin Langer. Gambhir, who captained KKR when Morkel joined the franchise in 2014, has often praised Morkel as the “fiercest bowler he had ever faced.”
Considerations for Morkel’s Appointment
One of the critical factors in Morkel’s potential appointment is his personal life. The former South African pacer resides in the Seaforth suburb of northern Sydney with his wife, Roz Kelly, a sports presenter on Channel 9, and their two children. The extensive travel required for the India job might pose a challenge for Morkel, and this aspect is under consideration in the ongoing discussions with the BCCI.
Potential Changes in the Support Staff
If Morkel’s appointment goes through, he will replace Paras Mhambrey, who has been part of Rahul Dravid’s support staff for the past three years. Reports also indicate that Morkel could join forces with former KKR teammate Ryan ten Doeschate and Abhishek Nayar in Gambhir’s support staff. This revamped coaching team could bring fresh perspectives and strategies to the Indian squad as they prepare for upcoming international fixtures.
Conclusion
As the BCCI deliberates on the final composition of the support staff, the potential inclusion of Morne Morkel adds an exciting dimension to Gambhir’s coaching setup. Morkel’s extensive experience and proven track record as a coach and player make him a valuable asset. Fans and analysts are keenly watching how these developments unfold, with an official announcement expected soon.
