Former South African pace legend Morne Morkel has been appointed as the new bowling coach of the Indian cricket team, completing the support staff for newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir. Morkel, 39, replaces Paras Mhambrey and will take over from the Bangladesh series starting on September 19. He has been appointed until the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
Morkel was Gambhir’s preferred choice, having worked with him at Lucknow Super Giants during the Indian’s two IPL seasons as mentor of the franchise. The South African has played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is for his country, taking a total of 544 international wickets.
Morkel’s appointment is seen as a significant move, given his experience and success as a fast bowler. He will be tasked with handling the transition phase as Mohammed Shami enters the latter stages of his career and Jasprit Bumrah needs more potent support, especially in red-ball cricket.
Morkel’s biggest challenge will be to nurture the next generation of Indian fast bowlers, including Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Yash Thakur. He is expected to work closely with VVS Laxman and Troy Cooley at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
The other members of Gambhir’s support staff include assistant coach Abhishek Nayar and fielding coach Ryan Ten Doeschate. India has never had a dedicated spin bowling coach, but Sairaj Bahutule, who is part of Laxman’s team at the NCA, has traveled with the senior team on occasion.
