Gautam Gambhir Wants BCCI To Appoint Morne Morkel For Bowling Coach Role | Reports

July 12, 2024 0 801

Gautam Gambhir, India’s new head coach, reportedly recommended former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel as the bowling coach.

Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Paras Mhambrey as the bowling coach of the Indian men’s cricket team.

According to Cricbuzz, Gautam Gambhir, a former teammate of Morkel’s at the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has recommended Morkel for the bowling coach position. Reports indicate discussions have already taken place between Morkel and the BCCI.

The duo previously collaborated successfully for two seasons at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL, guiding the franchise to the playoffs on both occasions. Morkel remained with LSG under new coach Justin Langer for the 2024 season, while Gambhir returned to KKR as a mentor, ultimately leading them to the IPL title.

Morkel, a retired cricketer with 544 international wickets across formats, is not the only contender for the bowling coach role. Other names reportedly in the mix include former Indian pacers Zaheer Khan, R Vinay Kumar, and Lakshmipathy Balaji.

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Gambhir has also reportedly suggested including Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, both members of the KKR coaching staff, in the Indian team setup.

With an upcoming white-ball series in Sri Lanka later this month (featuring three ODIs and three T20Is), a decision on the bowling coach position is expected soon. This series will mark Gambhir’s first assignment at the helm of the Indian team, with VVS Laxman currently serving as the interim coach for the young Indian T20I squad touring Zimbabwe.