Morne Morkel, the former South African fast bowler, has taken on the significant role of India’s bowling coach, succeeding renowned predecessors Bharat Arun and Paras Mhambrey. At 39, Morkel brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as Pakistan’s bowling coach and worked with New Zealand and Namibia in the T20 World Cups.
One of the key challenges Morkel faces is gaining the trust of the Indian bowlers, which is essential for effective communication and success in his new position. Ex-South Africa all-rounder Albie Morkel, Morne’s brother, emphasizes that earning the trust of established team members will be his main task.
“It goes without saying that being on the Indian team’s coaching staff is probably the biggest responsibility or coaching job out there,” Albie Morkel told Mid-day. “The passion for the sport and the success that the team had in the past makes it a job with no room for error.”
Morkel will collaborate with some of the world’s best bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, widely considered the best fast bowler across all formats. Albie Morkel believes that Morne admires Bumrah’s versatility and ability to perform in various conditions.
“Not sure but Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah,” Albie said when asked about the Indian bowlers Morne admires. “Once again, I don’t know what his exact thoughts would be, but Jasprit is the best all-format bowler in the world. He is very special, and I’m sure Morne would love to work with him.”
Despite not having an extensive coaching resume like some of his predecessors, Morkel’s experience is noteworthy. He has worked with bowlers from different countries and cultures, which will be valuable in his new role. Albie Morkel highlights the importance of his brother’s experience, particularly in addressing the mental aspects of the game, which can be crucial for bowlers dealing with challenges such as injuries.
“It’s a fine line between being too technical and what’s right,” Albie said. “I think the game has changed so much over the last decade. Younger bowlers or bowlers who struggle with injuries probably need more technical work, and after that, it’s about fine-tuning what you have. The mental aspect becomes very important then to sustain longevity.”
Morkel’s appointment has the potential to bring a fresh perspective to India’s bowling attack, possibly unlocking new achievements for the team. His combination of experience, technical expertise, and understanding of the game’s mental demands sets the stage for an intriguing chapter in Indian cricket.
