Gautam Gambhir Advocates for Morne Morkel as India’s Bowling Coach

lFormer South African pacer Morne Morkel is under consideration for the role of India’s bowling coach, a recommendation championed by newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Morkel, who has an extensive coaching resume, is being pursued by Gambhir due to their previous successful collaboration at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Gambhir has reportedly requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to evaluate Morkel for the position.

Morkel, who played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is between 2006 and 2018, was the coach of the Pakistan team during the last year’s ODI World Cup in India but resigned months before his contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was set to end.

Cricbuzz reports that preliminary discussions have occurred between Morkel and the BCCI. Currently residing in Australia, Morkel has built a strong reputation as an effective coach at both international and IPL levels.

At 39 and having retired relatively recently, Morkel is familiar with modern techniques and strategies, making him a valuable candidate for the role.

During their tenure at LSG, Gambhir served as a mentor while Morkel was the bowling coach. Their professional rapport continued as Morkel remained with LSG under new head coach Justin Langer after Gambhir moved to the Kolkata Knight Riders and head coach Andy Flower joined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Other potential candidates for the bowling coach position include Lakshmipathy Balaji, Vinay Kumar, and Zaheer Khan. Despite these considerations, Morkel’s young family and the travel demands of the India job could be potential obstacles.

Morkel lives in the Seaforth suburb of northern Sydney with his wife, Roz Kelly, a sports presenter on Channel 9, and their two children.

If selected, Morkel would replace Paras Mhambrey, who has served as the bowling coach for the past three years under head coach Rahul Dravid.

Alongside Morkel, Gambhir has also recommended Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate for various coaching roles, while the BCCI is reportedly interested in retaining fielding coach T Dilip from Dravid’s regime.

A final decision on the appointment is expected soon as the BCCI continues its discussions.