Morne Morkel eager to coach Indian cricket team: Albie Morkel
What's the story
Albie Morkel, brother of former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel, has expressed his sibling's enthusiasm about his new role as the bowling coach of the Indian cricket team.
In a conversation with Mid-day, Albie highlighted the significant responsibility that comes with being part of India's coaching staff.
He emphasized on the need for Morne to earn trust from the players and help them reach their full potential.
Bowler appreciation
Morne Morkel's admiration for Indian bowlers
Albie also revealed his brother's admiration for Indian bowlers, specifically mentioning Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah.
He described Bumrah as "the best all-format bowler in the world" and expressed confidence that Morne would enjoy working with him.
This statement underscores the high regard in which Morne holds India's bowling talent, as he prepares to take on his new role as the bowling coach.
Coaching tenure
Morne Morkel's tenure and responsibilities as bowling coach
Morne Morkel, who is set to replace Paras Mhambrey, will begin his tenure as the bowling coach from the Bangladesh series starting with the opening Test in Chennai on September 19.
His appointment extends until the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
The decision to appoint Morne was made on Gautam Gambhir's recommendation, given their successful collaboration at Lucknow Super Giants during two IPL seasons.
Career highlights
Morne Morkel's impressive cricket career and coaching experience
Morne Morkel has an impressive cricketing career, having played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is for South Africa and taken a total of 544 international wickets.
Despite not having an extensive coaching resume like his predecessors, he brings valuable experience from his stints as Pakistan's bowling coach and working with the New Zealand women's team at the 2023 T20 World Cup.
He also assisted Namibia in the 2022 T20 WC.
Coaching approach
Morne Morkel's approach to coaching and future plans
Albie also shed light on his brother's coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of balancing technical skills with mental strength.
He suggested that younger bowlers or those recovering from injuries might need more technical work, followed by fine-tuning their existing skills.
Morne is expected to join Bengaluru's National Cricket Academy next month and watch the Duleep Trophy games.
He will also meet with VVS Laxman and head of bowling in NCA, Troy Cooley.