Morne Morkel Becomes India’s New Bowling Coach Under Gautam Gambhir
Former South African pacer Morne Morkel has been appointed as the new bowling coach for the Indian cricket team on Wednesday. He succeeds Paras Mhambrey under the new regime of head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah announced, “South African pacer Morne Morkel appointed as new bowling coach of team India.”
India and Karnataka bowler Vinay Kumar was also considered for the position, but Morkel was chosen ahead of him. Morkel has previously worked with Gambhir during his time in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Lucknow Super Giants.
Morkel also served as the bowling coach for Pakistan, starting in June 2023 and leaving after the ODI World Cup in November last year, six weeks before his contract was due to expire.
During his playing career, the 39-year-old Morkel was a key player in South Africa’s pace bowling line-up. He made 86 Test appearances, taking 309 wickets at an average of 27.7. In ODIs, he played 117 matches and took 188 wickets at an average of 25.3. In T20s, he made 44 appearances and claimed 47 wickets at an average of 25.3.
In India’s recent series against Sri Lanka, Gambhir’s coaching staff included Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches, with T Dilip retained as the fielding coach from the previous regime.
Doubts Revealed
Morne Morkel -: Morne Morkel is a former cricketer from South Africa who used to be a fast bowler. Now, he helps other players improve their bowling skills.
Bowling Coach -: A bowling coach is someone who helps cricket players get better at bowling, which is when they throw the ball to try to get the batsman out.
Gautam Gambhir -: Gautam Gambhir is a famous Indian cricketer who used to play for the Indian team. Now, he works as a coach to help other players.
Paras Mhambrey -: Paras Mhambrey is a former Indian cricketer who was the bowling coach before Morne Morkel.
IPL -: IPL stands for Indian Premier League, which is a big cricket tournament in India where teams from different cities compete.
Vinay Kumar -: Vinay Kumar is another former Indian cricketer who was considered for the bowling coach job but was not chosen.
Pakistan’s bowling coach -: Morne Morkel also worked as a coach for the Pakistan cricket team, helping their bowlers improve.
Abhishek Nayar -: Abhishek Nayar is a former Indian cricketer who now works as a coach.
Ryan ten Doeschate -: Ryan ten Doeschate is a cricketer from the Netherlands who also works as a coach.
T Dilip -: T Dilip is another coach who helps the Indian cricket team.
Sri Lanka -: Sri Lanka is a country near India, and their cricket team often plays matches against the Indian team.