For South African player Morne Morkel has joined the India National Cricket Team as bowling coach. Soon after Gautam Gambhir agreed to coach India, he urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to add Morkel to the support staff. The apex body of the Indian cricket took a long time before hiring the speedster.
Morkel and Gambhir had worked together for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Morkel was a part of 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is for South Africa.
Morkel claimed that he sat alone for a few minutes after getting a new job before calling his father to reveal the news.
“I sat alone for few minutes before speaking to my dad. I didn’t inform my wife. You generally tell your wife but my father is a cricket lover and I decided to have a word with him. It was a special moment for me,” he said.
“After enjoying myself, I shared the news with my family and the requirements of the job. Things fell in place and I am finally here with the Indian team. I am looking forward to a new journey,” he added.
Morkel’s first assignment will be the two-Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19 in Chennai.
“It was important to connect with the Indian players. I have played a lot against some of the players and was in touch with some of the them during IPL. In the camp you become friends and form relationships.”
Morkel was impressed with the professionalism of the Indian players.
“Indian players are very professional and that’s a good sign.”
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