Gambhir wants Morne Morkel to become bowling coach; BCCI yet to take a final decision

New Delhi, July 12 (HS). Morne Morkel is in the race to become India's bowling coach. This former South African fast bowler has extensive coaching experience and is on the list of the newly appointed head coach of the Indian team, Gautam Gambhir. Morkel was the coach of the Pakistan team during the ODI World Cup held in India last year, but he left the post a few months before his contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) ended.

According to a Cricbuzz report, Gambhir has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to consider Morkel for the position of bowling coach, who played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs and 44 T20Is between 2006 and 2018. There have been some discussions on the matter with the South African, who is now settled in Australia.

Both Gambhir and Morkel have had a good working relationship in the IPL team Lucknow Super Giants, where Gambhir served as a mentor for two years. After Gambhir joined Kolkata Knight Riders and head coach Andy Flower moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore, Morkel continued as the franchise's bowling coach under new head coach Justin Langer.

Morkel has built a strong reputation of being an effective coach in both the international and IPL arenas. At 39 and having retired only in 2018, Morkel is well versed and up to date with the latest techniques of the game. Gambhir, who is known for working with people he is comfortable with, is believed to be keen to add Morkel to his coaching team.

Several names have been linked with the bowling coach position including Lakshmipathy Balaji and Vinay Kumar. Reports have also suggested that the BCCI is considering Zaheer Khan for the role. While a final decision is yet to be taken, it seems the BCCI might reach a conclusion soon. Morkel's young family and the long travel required for the India job are being considered. He lives in the plush Seaforth suburb of North Sydney with his wife Rose Kelly, who is a sports presenter on Channel 9. The couple have two children.

Morkel, if appointed, will replace Paras Mhambrey, who has excelled in the role under head coach Rahul Dravid for the last three years.