India vs Bangladesh: Morne Morkel joins India Test squad ahead of 1st Test

Team India's newly appointed bowling coach, former South African pace sensation Morne Morkel, has joined the squad ahead of their upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The series is scheduled to begin on September 19 in Chennai. Morkel’s arrival marks a significant addition to the coaching staff as the team gears up for the crucial fixtures. Preparations for the first Test are already underway, with Morkel present at the initial practice session on Friday, September 13. His involvement in the team’s training sessions is expected to provide valuable insights and enhance the bowling attack. Morkel’s appointment comes on the heels of Gautam Gambhir’s debut as head coach during India’s recent tour of Sri Lanka. Morkel, however, was absent from that tour due to family commitments, which required him to return home.

The Indian cricket team, led by captain Rohit Sharma, arrived in Chennai on Thursday night. The squad included key players such as Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul, who were seen boarding the team bus at the airport. In a notable development, Virat Kohli arrived separately, landing at 4 AM from London to join the team. Kohli’s timely arrival underscores the importance of this series and his commitment to the team as they prepare for their Test match against Bangladesh.

The countdown starts as #TeamIndia begin their preps for an exciting home season.#INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/VlIvau5AfD

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 13, 2024

Morne Morkel’s appointment as Team India’s new bowling coach is part of a comprehensive reshuffling of the coaching staff following Rahul Dravid’s successful tenure. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also introduced Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches, creating a robust support team under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir. Morkel takes over from Paras Mhambrey in the pivotal role of bowling coach, bringing with him extensive international experience and a proven track record.

At 39 years old, Morkel’s cricketing credentials are impressive. He has played 86 Test matches, 117 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 44 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for South Africa. His extensive experience at the international level is expected to provide a significant boost to India’s bowling unit. Additionally, Morkel’s familiarity with Indian playing conditions further enhances his value to the team. Having participated in 70 matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with teams such as the Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Kolkata Knight Riders, Morkel has a deep understanding of the challenges and nuances of bowling in Indian conditions.