Morne Morkel, the towering figure from South African cricket, has stepped into the role of India’s bowling coach with a mix of anticipation and awe. His first impressions, shared after joining the team for their training session ahead of the Bangladesh Test series, paint a picture of a coach ready to immerse himself in the culture of Indian cricket.
The Professionalism of Team India
Morkel’s initial days with the Indian team were marked by an admiration for the professionalism displayed by the players. “I was blown away by the professionalism,” he remarked, highlighting the meticulous preparation and dedication of the squad. This observation comes as no surprise given Morkel’s background, having played against some of these players and seen them in the IPL. However, being on the inside, witnessing the daily grind and commitment, seemed to have left a lasting impression on him.
Building Relationships
One of Morkel’s primary focuses has been on building relationships within the team. “I’ve played against some of these guys, and now to be in the camp, forming friendships and relationships, for me, is very important,” he stated. This approach underscores his coaching philosophy, where understanding the players on a personal level is as crucial as technical coaching. Morne Morkel aims to create an environment where every player feels comfortable, which he believes is key to unlocking their best performances.
“I’m here now on the setup and I’m looking forward to a great journey and time with India. For me, it is important to connect well with the guys. I’ve played a lot against some of the players I’ve seen and connected a little bit too with some of the guys doing IPL and to now be in the camp and form friendships and relationships for me is very important,”
“And, for today that was sort of the goal, to get an understanding about the guys, their strengths, their weaknesses and help a little bit by sitting and planting little seeds for the goals for the upcoming series. And yeah, that’s the sort of conversation we had today,”
“I was blown away about, you know, how they went about things, how professional they were. So that’s that’s a good sign. And, you know, hopefully, we can build on that,” the former pacer shared.
The Coaching Strategy
Morkel’s strategy involves not just enhancing the technical aspects of bowling but also nurturing the mental and emotional well-being of the players. “It’s about passing on knowledge, helping them settle, and feel at home,” he explained. His experience from playing international cricket for over a decade provides him with insights that he’s keen to share, aiming to help players feel they belong in the international arena.
The Upcoming Series Against Bangladesh
The series against Bangladesh marks debut of Morne Morkel as India’s bowling coach in a competitive setting. His excitement is palpable, not just for the challenge the series presents but also for the opportunity to see his strategies in action. With a mix of seasoned players like Jasprit Bumrah and emerging talents like Akash Deep and Yash Dayal, Morne Morkel has a diverse palette to work with. His role will be pivotal in strategizing against Bangladesh’s batting lineup, known for its resilience against spin but less tested against pace on Indian pitches.
Morne Morkel’s entry into the Indian cricket setup as the bowling coach is more than just a new role; it’s a fresh chapter in his cricketing journey. His first impressions reflect a coach who is not just here to teach but to learn, grow, and contribute to the legacy of Indian cricket. As he gears up for the Bangladesh series, Morkel’s enthusiasm and approach promise a blend of tradition with innovation, aiming to fortify India’s bowling arsenal in the world of cricket.
