Watch: Morne Morkel kisses Mohammed Siraj in viral BCCI video

India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel and fiery pacer Mohammed Siraj stole the spotlight ahead of the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, starting with the five-match Test series opener at the Optus Stadium in Perth from November 22.

As the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is set to get underway this week, the Indian cricket team has been sharpening their skills with an intense training camp at the WACA in Perth.

However, India’s focus has been on grueling practice sessions and preparation for the Test series, but a heartwarming moment between Morne Morkel and Mohammed Siraj is now making the headlines.

Heartwarming moment between Mohammed Siraj and Morne Morkel becomes the talk of India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 preparations

The Indian cricket team engagef in everything from the rigorous drills at the net sessions to simulation matches especially designed to practice in the high-pressure match scenarios they will face against Australia in the upcoming five-match Test series Down Under.

Read Also: Gautam Gambhir pushes 'favorite pacer' for Perth Test debut; India’s new No.3 revealed

But amidst the sweat and determination during India’s practice session, a lighter yet adorable moment occurred when Mohammed Siraj video-bombed Morne Morkel during a media interaction. In a video shared by the BCCI on its official website, the Indian bowling coach took the opportunity to highlight Siraj's value to the Indian Test team.

Morkel praised the senior Indian pacer for his leadership qualities and aggressive approach, with the heartwarming moment ending with a playful kiss on Siraj’s helmet by the bowling coach.

The former South African pacer Morne Morkel called Mohammed Siraj a legend and hopes the Indian speedster will replicate his last stunning Down Under show in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia.

This man is a legend: Morne Morkel on Mohammed Siraj

Praising Mohammed Siraj, Morne Morkel said in the BCCI video: “This man (Siraj) is a legend. He's got a big heart and an aggressive mindset; he's one of the leaders of the attack, and I am very excited to see how he goes in this tour. Last tour, he was the go-to man in tough situations, and we're excited to see more of that senior role coming out in him on a very important tour.”

Watch the video here:

💬💬 On track for the 22nd 🙌

Assistant Coach @abhisheknayar1 & Bowling Coach @mornemorkel65 wrap up #TeamIndia's Match Simulation in Perth 👌👌

WATCH 🎥🔽 #AUSvIND

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 18, 2024

Siraj is set to play a key role as a leader of the bowling attack headed by Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming high-voltage five-match Test series between Australia and India. During India’s last tour of Australia, the fiery pacer was India’s go-to man in challenging moments, and the upcoming Test series promises to be another hunting stage for his rising dominance.

Shubman Gill out from the Perth Test in Australia

Meanwhile, India's preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 were dealt a significant setback as the top-order batter Shubman Gill sustained a fracture while fielding, ruling him out of the first Test in Perth against Australia.

Read Also: Harshit Rana denied debut as India playing XI for Perth Test announced by Aakash Chopra

On a positive note, KL Rahul, who had been nursing an elbow injury after being struck during practice, returned to the nets on Sunday (November 17). His recovery comes as a relief for the Indian team, as the experienced batter is now ready to take his place in the playing XI for the first Test.

Adding to the challenges, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma will miss the Perth Test, with plans to join the squad in time for the second match in Adelaide. Rohit recently welcomed his second child with wife Ritika Sajdeh. The couple on November 15 welcomed their baby boy in Mumbai.