Morne Morkel has been appointed as the bowling coach for the senior India men’s team, with his contract starting on September 1, as confirmed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah.
Due to personal issues, Morkel was unable to join the Indian team on their recent tour of Sri Lanka, leading to Sairaj Bahutule serving as the interim coach for the six white-ball matches.
Morkel will take over for the upcoming home series against Bangladesh, beginning with the Chennai Test on September 19.
At 39, Morkel will join the Indian coaching staff under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir, with whom he previously worked at the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League.
Cricpulse reports that Gambhir recommended Morkel for the role.
Gambhir and Morkel forged a strong working relationship during their time at LSG, where Gambhir was a mentor for two years.
Even after Gambhir’s departure to Kolkata Knight Riders and head coach Andy Flower’s move to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Morkel continued as bowling coach under new head coach Justin Langer.
Morkel also served as Pakistan’s bowling coach during last year’s ODI World Cup in India but resigned from the position before his contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was set to expire.
Gambhir’s coaching team will include Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches, while T Dilip, who served under the previous regime led by Rahul Dravid, will continue as the fielding coach.
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