Gautam Gambhir Wants Morne Morkel As India Bowling Coach

Gautam Gambhir, recently appointed as head coach of the Indian cricket team, has reportedly advocated for Morne Morkel to be brought on board as the team's bowling coach. This recommendation comes as part of the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) efforts to finalize the support staff ahead of the upcoming white-ball series against Sri Lanka. According to a report, Gambhir is enthusiastic about Morne Morkel's potential contribution, proposing him to replace Paras Mhambrey in the role of bowling coach. Morkel, the former South African fast bowler, already possesses coaching experience, having previously worked with the Pakistan team during the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India. Despite leaving his position months before his contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was due to end, Morkel has demonstrated a solid understanding of coaching dynamics and player development.

The decision to recommend Morkel underscores Gambhir's strategic vision for enhancing the team's bowling prowess. His tenure as head coach is marked by a proactive approach in reshaping the support staff, aligning it with his vision for the team's future performance goals.

As the BCCI prepares to formalize its coaching setup, Gambhir's endorsement of Morkel reflects a desire to leverage international coaching talent and experience. The move also highlights Gambhir's intent to foster a high-performance environment within the team, aiming to elevate India's standing in international cricket through specialized coaching expertise. According to the report, discussions have indeed taken place with Morne Morkel, who is currently residing in Australia. Gautam Gambhir and Morkel have a strong professional relationship, having previously collaborated as part of the Lucknow Super Giants' support staff. Gambhir had mentored the team for two years before moving to the Kolkata Knight Riders, while Morkel continued his tenure with the KL Rahul-led franchise.

Morkel, who retired from international cricket in 2018, boasts impressive statistics with 309 Test wickets, 188 in ODIs, and 47 in T20Is. His coaching credentials include recent experience with the Pakistan team during the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. Known for his familiarity with modern coaching techniques, Morkel is seen as a valuable addition to the Indian cricket setup, capable of significantly enhancing the team's bowling strategies and overall performance.

Several candidates have emerged as potential options for the position of bowling coach for the Indian cricket team, with notable names like Lakshmipathy Balaji, Vinay Kumar, and Zaheer Khan in the mix. While Makhaya Ntini was initially considered, his family's relocation to Cape Town has proven to be an obstacle. Another concern is Morkel's young family and the extensive travel required for the role. He resides in the upscale Seaforth suburb of northern Sydney with his wife Roz Kelly, a sports presenter on Channel 9, and their two children.

Apart from Morkel, Gautam Gambhir has expressed interest in appointing Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate to the support staff. However, the final decision rests with the BCCI, which has yet to make a definitive call on these appointments. The new coaching setup is expected to assume responsibility during the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, where the Indian team is scheduled to play three T20Is and an equal number of ODIs.

The selection process for the bowling coach has garnered significant attention due to the pedigree of the candidates involved. Lakshmipathy Balaji and Vinay Kumar bring extensive playing experience, particularly in Indian conditions, which could prove invaluable to the team's bowling unit. Meanwhile, Zaheer Khan's legendary status as a former fast bowler for India adds weight to his candidacy, potentially offering expertise and mentorship that could greatly benefit the team's current crop of bowlers.