Morne Morkel Appointed Team India’s Bowling Coach

Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel has been appointed as the bowling coach for India’s men’s cricket team, according to news agency PTI.

Morkel’s tenure with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will begin on September 1. His first assignment will be India’s two-match Test series against Bangladesh, commencing on September 19.

The appointment marks a reunion for Morkel with India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, with the duo having previously shared the dressing room at the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Their association extended to the Lucknow Super Giants as well.

Confirming the appointment, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah stated, “Yes, Morne Morkel has been appointed as the bowling coach of the senior India men’s team.”

Morkel, who played for South Africa between 2006 and 2018, was a key figure in their bowling attack. Known for his height of 6’5″, he leveraged his stature to generate extra bounce, challenging batsmen with his pace and accuracy. Over his career, Morkel played 86 Test matches, claiming 309 wickets, and took 188 wickets in 117 One Day Internationals (ODIs). His partnership with fellow pacer Dale Steyn was instrumental in many of South Africa’s victories.

Morkel retired from international cricket in 2018, earning widespread respect for his dedication and performance, and leaving a lasting impact on South African cricket.