Morne Morkel has been appointed as the bowling coach of the senior India men’s team, with his contract beginning on September 1. The news was confirmed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah.
Morkel was unable to join the Indian team on their recent tour of Sri Lanka due to personal issues, with Sairaj Bahutule serving in an interim capacity for the six white-ball matches. Morkel will assume duties for the upcoming home series against Bangladesh, which kicks off with the Chennai Test on September 19.
Morkel, 39, will join the Indian coaching staff under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir, with whom he previously worked at the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League. Gambhir is believed to have recommended Morkel to the BCCI for the position of bowling coach.
Gambhir and Morkel developed a strong working relationship during their time at LSG, where Gambhir served as a mentor for two years. Even after Gambhir left to join Kolkata Knight Riders and head coach Andy Flower moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Morkel remained with the franchise as bowling coach under the new head coach, Justin Langer.
Morkel had also served as the bowling coach for the Pakistan team during last year’s ODI World Cup in India, but he resigned from the role months before his contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was set to expire.
Gambhir’s coaching team currently also includes Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches. T Dilip, who served under the previous regime led by Rahul Dravid, will continue as the fielding coach.
