Morne Morkel Joins Team India as Bowling Coach Ahead of Bangladesh Test Series

As excitement builds for the two-match Test series between India and Bangladesh, a major announcement has added more buzz to the cricketing world. South African fast-bowling legend Morne Morkel has officially joined Team India as their bowling coach, just days before the first Test begins at Chennai’s iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium on September 19, 2024.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the news on Friday, September 13, through a series of social media posts showcasing India’s intense practice sessions in Chennai. Morkel’s arrival marks a significant boost to India’s coaching staff, with his wealth of international experience set to strengthen the fast-bowling unit. Appointed in August, Morkel fills the role previously held by Paras Mhambrey, bringing with him an illustrious career that includes 544 wickets across formats for South Africa.

This series will also be the first Test assignment for Gautam Gambhir as India’s head coach, a position he took up in July. Gambhir, who had been unable to secure Morkel’s services for India’s previous series against Sri Lanka, now has the former Proteas pacer as part of his support staff.

Morkel’s appointment follows India’s surprising ODI series defeat to Sri Lanka, marking their first bilateral series loss to the island nation in 27 years. The team’s performance had highlighted the need for improvements in the bowling department, making Morkel’s presence all the more crucial for the upcoming season.

Alongside Morkel, Gambhir’s coaching team includes assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, both of whom worked with him at Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. T Dilip, India’s fielding coach from the 2024 T20 World Cup, continues in his role, ensuring that India’s backroom staff is packed with expertise.

As the Indian team gears up for the first Test against Bangladesh, there are notable returns to the squad. Senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have arrived in Chennai, with Kohli rejoining the team after a brief break following the birth of his child. India’s squad features a mix of experienced stars and promising newcomers like fast bowlers Akash Deep and Yash Dayal, alongside the returning Rishabh Pant, who has made a full recovery from a serious accident earlier this year.

The series against Bangladesh will be a test of India’s new coaching structure and player lineup. Bangladesh, fresh off a historic 2-0 Test series win against Pakistan, will be eager to continue their momentum under captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. While Bangladesh will be without injured pacer Shoriful Islam, their fast bowling attack, led by Taskin Ahmed, promises to be a challenge for India.

With the World Test Championship standings in play, India, currently in first place, will look to solidify their lead. Bangladesh, positioned fourth, is eager to prove their growing stature in international cricket. The series promises to be a competitive and thrilling contest as both teams bring fresh energy and ambition to the field.

India Squad: 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.