Morne Morkel finalized as India bowling coach but South African set to miss crucial series

Former South Africa pacer Morne Morkel is all set to become the bowling coach of the India National Cricket Team. As per the reports in News 18, it is learned that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in talks with the Proteas star for the role.

The India National Cricket Team coaching setup has been changed completely after the T20 World Cup 2024. Rahul Dravid's tenure as the head coach ended after the tournament and the gates were opened up for Gautam Gambhir, who was roped in as the new head coach of the team.

Gautam Gambhir reportedly kept a condition for the BCCI before joining Team India. The former India skipper had mentioned that he would be selecting his support staff himself and stated that he needs full control of the team without any involvement from outsiders.

The former India skipper reportedly put forward some names few of which were denied by the BCCI. The likes of Vinay Kumar, Lakshmipathy Balaji, and Zaheer Khan were also in the headlines but reports claimed that Gautam Gambhir has backed Morne Morkel to take up the role in the team.

With Gautam Gambhir putting weight behind Morne Morkel to be the bowling coach, it is learned that BCCI has agreed to rope him. The former South Africa pacer is all set to take the spot but he will be joining the Team only after the three-match T20I and the ODI series against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team, starting 27th July.

A Source close to News 18 claimed that paperwork between the Board of Control for Cricket in India and Morne Morkel is yet to be done and hence he will be taking some time to join the team. He explained:

"The formalities haven’t been completed yet but they will hopefully be done soon and Morne Morkel is likely to come on board after the Sri Lanka series."

Gautam Gambhir and Morne Morkel have worked together at the Lucknow Super Giants. Gambhir was the mentor and Morkel served as the bowling coach of the franchise. They gelled well together and guided the team to playoffs in both the seasons they worked together. Even the players who played under them have credited them a lot.

Abhishek Nayar, Ryan Ten Doeschate and T Dilip to be part of the coaching set-up

Apart from the development related to Morkel, it is learned that Gautam Gambhir has also recommended the names of Abhishek Nayar and Ryan Ten Doeschate as the assistant coaches. The duo are expected to join the team before the Sri Lanka tour and the announcement is likely to be made soon.

Also, it is learned that T Dilip is all set to be retained as the fielding coach of the team. The Indian team is set to leave for Sri Lanka from Mumbai on Monday and chairman of men’s senior selection committee Ajit Agarkar and new head coach Gambhir will address the media before the side’s departure.