BCCI appoints Morne Morkel as Team India bowling coach
What's the story
Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel has been appointed the bowling coach of the India men's cricket team. As per a report in Cricbuzz, Morkel's contract is set to start from September 1. Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir worked closely with Morkel as players at Kolkata Knight Riders before reuniting at Lucknow Super Giants as mentor and bowling coach. Here's more.
Information
Former SA pacer Morkel owns a solid reputation
Morkel enjoyed a successful career as a bowler for South Africa. He has since taken coaching. Morkel has earned a strong reputation of being an effective coach. At 39, Morkel remains a strong fit to the demands of modern-day cricket.
Journey
Morkel's stint with the Pakistan cricket team
In April 2023, Morkel was roped in as Pakistan's bowling coach. The fast bowler joined the Pakistan side following the completion of the Indian Premier League 2023 season where he was a bowling coach of LSG. In November 2023, Morkel resigned as Pakistan's bowling coach. This was after Pakistan exited the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup.
Contract
Morkel left Pakistan job for this reason
As per ESPNcricinfo, Morkel, who was contracted until the end of the year, reevaluated his position after the World Cup. This was mainly because of his commitments in the IPL and SA20. The report had added that these commitments made it untenable for him to continue through the Australia tour. Current Australian citizen Morkel was expected to oversee Pakistan's Australia tour but didn't.
KKR
Morkel played under Gambhir at KKR
It was under Gambhir's leadership at KKR where Morkel spent a few seasons and a bond formed. Morkel won the Purple Cap in 2012, playing for the Delhi Capitals. He ended up joining the Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2014 season. He took 12 wickets in KKR's title-winning campaign. He spent two more seasons at KKR before signing off.
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Gambhir and Morkel worked together at LSG
Gambhir and Morkel worked together at LSG. Notably, the franchise retained Morkel for the 2024 IPL season. Gambhir was the franchise's mentor for two seasons before joining KKR.
Stats
A look at Morkel's career stats for SA
Morkel played 86 Test matches for South Africa, claiming 309 wickets at 27.66. He took 18 four-fers and 8 five-wicket hauls. In 117 ODI matches, Morkel claimed 188 wickets at 25.32. He took two fifers with the best of 5/21. In 44 T20Is, he managed 47 scalps for the Proteas, averaging 25.34. He managed two four-wicket hauls.
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Morkel has coached these sides
Morkel worked with Namibia during the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup in Australia. He has also been the bowling coach of Durban's Super Giants in the SA20 League. He also had a stint with the New Zealand women's team during the T20 World Cup.