‘A matter of…’: Albie on Morne’s primary challenge as India coach

NEW DELHI: Former South African fast bowler, Morne Morkel, at the age of 39, has taken on the significant role of India’s bowling coach, succeeding renowned predecessors Bharat Arun and Paras Mhambrey. The primary challenge he faces is gaining the trust of the Indian bowlers, which is essential for effective communication and success in his new position.
Although Morkel has prior experience working with Gautam Gambhir at the Lucknow Super Giants, forging relationships with the Indian bowlers will be a new challenge.Ex-South Africa all-rounder Albie Morkel, Morne’s brother, emphasizes that earning the trust of established team members will be his main task.
“It goes without saying that being on the Indian team’s coaching staff is probably the biggest responsibility or coaching job out there. The passion for the sport and the success that the team had in the past makes it a job with no room for error. He will be surrounded by some very good players who have achieved a lot, so I guess, for him, it’s a matter of earning their trust and believing that he can help to reach their full potential day in and day out,” Albie Morkel told Mid-day.One of the key players Morkel will collaborate with is Jasprit Bumrah, widely considered the best fast bowler in the world across all formats. Bumrah’s versatility and ability to perform in various conditions make him invaluable to the Indian team.
When asked about the Indian bowlers Morne admires, Albie mentioned, “Not sure but Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah. Once again, I don’t know what his exact thoughts would be, but Jasprit is the best all-format bowler in the world. He is very special, and I’m sure Morne would love to work with him.”

Despite not having an extensive coaching resume like some of his predecessors, Morkel’s experience is noteworthy. He has served as Pakistan’s bowling coach, stepping down after the 2023 World Cup, and has worked with New Zealand and Namibia in the T20 World Cups.
Albie Morkel highlights the importance of his brother’s experience, particularly in addressing the mental aspects of the game, which can be crucial for bowlers dealing with challenges such as injuries.
“It’s a fine line between being too technical and what’s right. I think the game has changed so much over the last decade. Younger bowlers or bowlers who struggle with injuries probably need more technical work, and after that, it’s about fine-tuning what you have. The mental aspect becomes very important then to sustain longevity,” Albie said.
Morkel’s appointment has the potential to bring a fresh perspective to India’s bowling attack, possibly unlocking new achievements for the team. His combination of experience, technical expertise, and understanding of the game’s mental demands sets the stage for an intriguing chapter in Indian cricket.