Gautam Gambhir, recently appointed Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team, is reportedly considering former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel for the role of bowling coach. Morkel’s experience and recent coaching stint with Pakistan make him a strong candidate, but his young family and the demanding travel schedule of the Indian team pose a potential challenge.
Morkel’s Credentials and Working Relationship with Gambhir
Morkel, a renowned pacer who played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is between 2006 and 2018, brings extensive playing experience to the table. He also has coaching experience, having served as Pakistan’s bowling coach during the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India.
Significantly, Gambhir and Morkel reportedly share a positive working relationship established during their time together at the Lucknow Super Giants IPL franchise. Gambhir served as a mentor for two seasons while Morkel held the bowling coach position. This existing rapport could be a factor in Gambhir’s preference for Morkel.
Morkel’s Advantages: Experience and Up-to-Date Knowledge
Morkel’s reputation as a capable coach is well-established, both at the international level and in the IPL arena. At 39,having retired just a few years ago in 2018, Morkel remains current with the game’s latest techniques. This blend of experience and recent knowledge makes him an attractive candidate.
While Morkel appears to be a strong fit for the role, there’s a potential hurdle. The bowling coach position for the Indian team necessitates extensive travel. Morkel, with a young family settled in Sydney, Australia, might face challenges in balancing his personal life with the demanding schedule. Reports indicate the BCCI is aware of this potential conflict.
Other Contenders and BCCI’s Decision Timeline
Morkel isn’t the only name in contention. Former Indian pacers Lakshmipathy Balaji and Vinay Kumar have also been linked to the role. Additionally, reports suggest the BCCI is considering Zaheer Khan. A final decision is expected soon, with the BCCI weighing the pros and cons of each candidate.
While the bowling coach position remains undecided, Gambhir has reportedly expressed interest in retaining T Dilip from the previous coaching staff under Rahul Dravid. Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate are also under consideration for other coaching roles.
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