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Gautam Gambhir (left) and Morne Morkel. (BCCI Photo)
An old video of Gautam Gambhir speaking about why he prefers Morne Morkel has gone viral on social media.
Former South Africa pacer Morne Morkel has been appointed as the Indian men’s cricket team’s bowling coach as per the wishes of head coach Gautam Gambhir.
It is understood that the 39-year-old, who replaces Paras Mhambrey, will take over as the bowling coach from the Bangladesh series that starts with the opening Test in Chennai from September 19. He has been appointed till the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
After the news of the appointment surfaced on social media, fans back an old video of Gautam Gambhir speaking about why he prefers Morne Morkel.
In an interview with Gaurav Kapur, Gambhir had revealed the reason.
“That’s why I got him, honestly that’s why we got him in the KKR as well. I thought he was the toughest bowler I have faced. Isko apni side lelo. Jab wo Delhi ke liye khel raha tha every time I would face him, I would come back and say yar I wish we have Morne Morkel,” Gambhir had said.
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At 39, Morkel brings with him a wealth of experience, both as a former international cricketer and as a coach. He has previously worked alongside Gambhir at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where the two forged a strong professional relationship.
Gambhir, a mentor at LSG, worked closely with Morkel during his tenure as bowling coach, helping to shape the team’s strategy and performance. Their collaboration was highly regarded, even after Gambhir left LSG to join Kolkata Knight Riders and head coach Andy Flower moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Morkel previously served as the bowling coach for the Pakistan national team during the ODI World Cup in India last year. He resigned from his role with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) months before his contract was set to expire.
Alongside Morkel, the coaching team led by Gambhir includes Abhishek Nayar and former Dutch cricketer Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches. T. Dilip, who served as the fielding coach under the previous regime led by Rahul Dravid, will continue in his role, ensuring continuity in the team’s preparations.
Morkel’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Indian cricket, as the team prepares for an intense home series against Bangladesh, starting with the Chennai Test on September 19. Although Morkel was initially slated to join the team during their recent tour of Sri Lanka, personal issues prevented him from taking up the role, with Sairaj Bahutule stepping in as an interim coach for the six white-ball matches.
(With inputs from Agencies)
