Former South African pacer in line for India's bowling coach

Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel is being considered for the role of India’s bowling coach. Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach of the Indian team, has recommended Morkel for the position. Morkel, who has significant coaching experience, was the coach of the Pakistan team during last year’s ODI World Cup in India but left the role before his contract expired.

Gambhir has reportedly asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to consider Morkel, who played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is from 2006 to 2018. Cricbuzz reports that discussions have already started with the South African, who now lives in Australia.

Gambhir and Morkel previously worked together at the Lucknow Super Giants IPL team, where Gambhir was a mentor and Morkel the bowling coach. Even after Gambhir left, Morkel continued in his role under new head coach Justin Langer.

At 39, Morkel is considered an up-to-date and effective coach, both internationally and in the IPL. Gambhir, who prefers working with trusted colleagues, is keen on having Morkel on his coaching team.

Other candidates for the bowling coach position include Lakshmipathy Balaji, Vinay Kumar, and Zaheer Khan. The BCCI is expected to make a decision soon, considering Morkel's young family and the extensive travel required for the job. Morkel lives in Sydney with his wife Roz Kelly, a sports presenter on Channel 9, and their two children.

If Morkel is appointed, he would replace Paras Mhambrey, who has done well in the role for the past three years under head coach Rahul Dravid. Additionally, Gambhir has recommended Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate for other coaching roles, and the BCCI is likely to retain fielding coach T Dilip from Dravid’s team.