Patiala, 14 September (Sports Desk)
Veteran South African fast bowler Morne Morkel has assumed the role of India’s bowling coach, gearing them up for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.
Taking charge at the Chennai practice session, Morkel (39) acknowledged the robust system of Indian cricket. He emphasized the crucial role of senior players in maintaining the team’s strength.
“This team practically runs itself,” Morkel stated on BCCI.tv. “My aim is to safeguard this system while implementing minor refinements where necessary. Reflecting during my flight here, I realized how fortunate we are to have such experienced senior players who will spearhead the bowling attack.”
Morkel, with his extensive experience as both a player and coach in the Indian cricketing scene, understands the importance of supporting these senior players with the best possible guidance. He boasts a long history with Indian cricket, having played 20 international matches in the country and participated in several IPL seasons. Notably, he coached the Lucknow Super Giants alongside India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, in 2022 and 2023.
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Morkel believes his past interactions with Indian players, particularly those during the IPL, will facilitate building strong team bonds. “I’ve faced many of these players on the field and have interacted with some during the IPL. Now, within the team environment, fostering friendships and relationships is crucial.”
His maiden session with the team concentrated on comprehending each player’s strengths and weaknesses. Morkel explained, “Today’s priority was to get a sense of the players’ capabilities, identify areas for improvement, and begin laying the groundwork for future goals.”
Recognizing the talent pool within India’s bowling lineup, Morkel acknowledges the importance of assisting new players in adjusting to the pressure of playing for the national team. “It’s not just about talent; it’s about making these players feel comfortable in a high-pressure environment,” he said. “Playing for India carries immense expectations. My role is to share my experience and help them feel settled and part of the team.”
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India’s current Test squad, led by Rohit Sharma, comprises eight bowling options: four pacers (Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Yash Dayal) and four spinners (Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav).
India’s immediate focus is on the World Test Championship, where they currently lead the standings with a 68.52% point percentage. A top-two finish would secure their place in the final for the third consecutive time.
