Morne Morkel focuses on player comfort and enhancing India's bowling unit
Having previously worked with head coach Gautam Gambhir during his tenure with Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, Morkel emphasized the importance of creating a comfortable environment.
Khan Mutasim Billah LifeEditor
Posted - 2024-09-14T23:35:26+06:00
Updated - 2024-09-14T23:35:26+06:00
Morne Morkel, India’s newly appointed bowling coach, is eager to preserve the success of the team while building strong relationships with the players. Morkel, who took over from Paras Mhambrey, officially joined the Indian camp in Chennai on September 13 ahead of the Test series against Bangladesh. His primary focus is to make minor adjustments to an already well-functioning system, while ensuring that the players feel comfortable and confident in their roles.
In a conversation with BCCI, Morkel shared, “This is a set-up that operates by itself, and the goal is to protect that and make small improvements. Our responsibility as coaches is to support the senior players and provide the best possible advice."
Having previously worked with head coach Gautam Gambhir during his tenure with Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, Morkel emphasized the importance of creating a comfortable environment. “Playing for India comes with a lot of expectations, so it's crucial for players to feel at home. Once they have that comfort, their performances will follow," Morkel added.
The former South African pacer is also keen on forming deeper connections with the players. "For me, it was important to connect well with the guys. I’ve played against some of them and worked with a few during the IPL. Building relationships and understanding their strengths and weaknesses will be key to success."
Morkel, a veteran of 554 international wickets, said he was impressed by the professionalism of the Indian players and is looking forward to helping them reach new heights. He also acknowledged the challenge of managing expectations but is confident his playing experience will guide him in this new role.
"Having gone through similar experiences during my playing career, I’m ready to share that knowledge with the team. We are fortunate to have quality senior players who lead the charge, and I’m excited to work with them," Morkel concluded.
As the Indian team prepare for the two-Test series against Bangladesh starting on September 19, Morkel's experience and focus on team cohesion will be pivotal in maintaining India’s strong performances on the field.