Morne Morkel’s Main Goal is Making Players Feel at Home:
Morne Morkel has stepped in as India’s new bowling coach, taking over from Paras Mhambrey, and his main goal is clear: to maintain and fine-tune an already strong bowling unit while ensuring the players feel comfortable despite the enormous expectations that come with wearing the Indian jersey.
After joining the team in Chennai, where they’re gearing up for the Test series against Bangladesh, Morkel emphasized the importance of preserving what’s already working. “This is a set-up that pretty much runs itself,” Morkel said during an interview with BCCI.tv. “My goal is to protect that, and if possible, make small improvements where needed.”
Reflecting on his journey, Morkel expressed how fortunate India is to have seasoned players leading the charge. “As I was flying here, I thought about how lucky we are to have such quality senior players. They will naturally take the lead, and it’s our job to support them with the best advice we can offer.”
Morkels Bowling headcoach role was recommended by head coach gambhir with whom he had previously worked at Lucknow Super Giants during IPL 2022 and 2023. For Morkel, building relationships with the players is essential to his coaching style. “I have played against many of these players and I connected with some during the IPL,” Morkel explained. “Now it is about forming those friendships and relationships, which is crucial for getting the best out of them.”
During his first session, Morkel focused on understanding the team’s strengths and weaknesses. “Today was about getting to know the guys, figuring out their goals for the upcoming series, and seeing how we can help them. I was impressed by how they carried themselves and their professionalism.”
The former South African cricketer is aware of the pressure that comes with playing for India. “There’s so much talent, but it’s vital to make these guys feel at home in an environment that can be quite intimidating. Wearing the blue jersey comes with a lot of expectations. My experience allows me to help them settle and feel comfortable, which is when performance really takes off.”
Morkel also shared a personal moment about his appointment, saying his dad was the first person he called with the news. “It was a special moment for me. I enjoyed it quietly for a few minutes and then called my dad. I didn’t go to my wife first—although, I probably should have!” he laughed.
Despite the pressure, Morkel feels ready for the challenge. “I know expectations are always going to be there, but I’m ready. I’ve been through that as a player, and now I can pass on that knowledge.”
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