Morne Morkel Likely To Become India’s Next Bowling Coach After Sri Lanka Series

Morne Morkel is emerging as a leading contender to be appointed as India's next bowling coach . The Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI ) is currently in discussions with the former South African fast bowler.

Morkel, who is 39 years old, has been recommended by head coach Gautam Gambhir . It is anticipated that he will join the Indian cricket team following the upcoming T20Is and ODIs against Sri Lanka.

"While the formalities are yet to be finalized, it is expected that Morne Morkel will come on board after the Sri Lanka series ," a source familiar with the developments commented.

Other candidates for the bowling coach position include Vinay Kumar, Lakshmipathy Balaji, and Zaheer Khan, but Gambhir is strongly advocating for Morkel. The two have a history of working together at the Lucknow Super Giants, where Gambhir served as a mentor and Morkel as the bowling coach.

Gambhir has consistently praised Morkel as one of the best bowlers he has faced, and their professional relationship has been positive, particularly evident during their tenure at LSG .

Indian bowlers from the LSG squad have expressed their appreciation for Morkel’s calm demeanor and coaching style.

"He's incredibly calm," said a young Indian seamer who has been with LSG for three years. "Even on tough days, which are common in T20s, he focuses on what went right and how to make it consistent, rather than dwelling on mistakes."

Avesh Khan has also acknowledged Morkel's role in helping him make technical adjustments and teaching him various strategies to outsmart batters in T20 cricket .

Morkel has some international coaching experience, having worked as the bowling coach for the Pakistan team for several months.

In other developments, fielding coach T Dilip is likely to retain his position, while Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate are strong candidates to join the coaching staff for the Sri Lanka series.

The Indian team will depart for Sri Lanka from Mumbai on Monday, with Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the men’s senior selection committee, and head coach Gambhir expected to address the media before departure.

It remains uncertain if the support staff appointments will be officially announced during the media interaction, as the BCCI has maintained silence on the matter so far.