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Morne Morkel, the former South African fast bowler, has officially joined Team India as their new bowling coach, bringing a fresh dimension to the squad’s preparations for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. The announcement comes as India gears up for a critical home season, starting with the first Test on September 19 at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Morkel’s arrival marks a significant moment for the Indian team, which is eager to build on its momentum from recent international fixtures. His presence was a highlight of the team’s initial training session in Chennai, where he began to work closely with the bowlers under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir.
🚀 The countdown begins! ⏳ #TeamIndia is gearing up for an electrifying home season. Get ready for the action! 🇮🇳🏏 #INDvBAN
— Fantasy Khiladi (@_fantasykhiladi) September 13, 2024
📷@BCCI pic.twitter.com/bYJLGkGKn7
The BCCI shared insights from the training camp, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere and Morkel’s engagement with the players. Known for his impactful tenure with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), where he was credited for enhancing the skills of pacers like Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, Morkel’s expertise is expected to be instrumental for India’s fast-bowling unit.
Replacing Paras Mhambrey, Morkel’s appointment is part of Gambhir’s new coaching strategy. The South African legend, who previously collaborated with Gambhir at the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, is tasked with refining India’s pace attack. His role will involve working with seasoned bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, as well as nurturing emerging talents such as Akash Deep and Yash Dayal.
Morkel’s debut with the Indian team comes at a crucial juncture as India prepares for a demanding Test season. The series against Bangladesh is just the beginning, with India also set to face New Zealand and Australia in the near future. Morkel’s impact will be closely watched as he begins to leave his mark on Team India’s bowling strategies.
The excitement surrounding Morkel’s appointment is palpable, and his contributions will be key as India aims to perform at their best in the World Test Championship and beyond.
India squad for 1st Test against Bangladesh
Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash Dayal.
