Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has broken his silence on the possible appointment of Morne Morkel as India’s new bowling coach. Chopra claimed that Morkel has a lot of experience as a coach, which could prove useful for India overseas.
According to several reports, Morne Morkel is the favourite for the post of India’s bowling coach. As soon as his appointment is finalised, he will join the Indian team for their upcoming assignment against Bangladesh.
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Aakash Chopra breaks silence on possible appointment of Morne Morkel as India bowling coach
While speaking in a Q&A video uploaded on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra was asked about Morne Morkel’s effect on the Indian team if he becomes the bowling coach.
Chopra felt that Morkel knows the conditions in Australia and South Africa very well as he has now established himself in Australia. This could help India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be held in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
“Morne Morkel is a good guy. I know him well. He is a very calm man by nature. Normally fast bowlers are not so calm but he is. He is good and I like him. Reports from Lucknow (Super Giants) suggest that he does a good job as a coach. In fact, he has settled in Australia so he understands Australian and South African conditions very well,” Chopra said.
Morne Morkel’s records in international cricket
Morne Morkel has vast experience of playing Test cricket, especially in South Africa. The South African fast bowler was one of the best bowlers for his team during his playing days.
Morkel took 309 wickets in 86 Tests at an average of 27.66. The lanky fast bowler also has an excellent record in ODIs. He has taken 288 wickets in just 117 ODIs at an average of 25.32.
After his retirement, he moved permanently to Australia and has played in the Big Bash League as a local player. As a result, he also has a good experience of playing in Australian conditions.
“I really hope he (Morne Morkel) brings something more to it” – Aakash Chopra
The former India opener added that Indian bowling has improved drastically in the last few years and he hopes it will continue to improve during Morne Morkel’s tenure.
“I hope he can contribute something more because so far a good job has been done. The standard of Indian bowling has gone up quite a bit and I hope it continues like this for ever. Morne Morkel, I wish you all the best,” Chopra added.
Current India coach Gautam Gambhir has recommended Mornel Morkel’s name for the bowling coach’s post. Both Morkel and Gambhir have worked together on numerous occasions before. They were part of Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL when Gambhir was the captain of the team.
Both Gambhir and Morkel also have experience of working together in the coaching staff. When Gambhir was a mentor for Lucknow Super Giants before joining KKR this season, Morkel was the team’s bowling coach.
Morne Morkel also previously held the post of Pakistan’s bowling coach but resigned following Pakistan’s disappointing performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup, which was held in India.
