Cricket

Former South African pace legend Morne Morkel has been appointed as the new bowling coach of the Indian cricket team, completing the support staff for newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir. Morkel, 39, replaces Paras Mhambrey and will take over from the Bangladesh series starting on September 19. He has been appointed until the end of the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.Morkel was Gambhir's preferred choice, having worked with him at Lucknow Super Giants during the Indian's two IPL seasons as mentor of the franchise. The South African has played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is for his country, taking a total of 544 international wickets.Morkel's appointment is seen as a significant move, given his experience and success as a fast bowler. He will be tasked with handling the transition phase as Mohammed Shami enters the latter stages of his career and Jasprit Bumrah needs more potent support, especially in red-ball cricket.Morkel's biggest challenge will be to nurture the next generation of Indian fast bowlers, including Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Yash Thakur. He is expected to work closely with VVS Laxman and Troy Cooley at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.The other members of Gambhir's support staff include assistant coach Abhishek Nayar and fielding coach Ryan Ten Doeschate. India has never had a dedicated spin bowling coach, but Sairaj Bahutule, who is part of Laxman's team at the NCA, has traveled with the senior team on occasion.

Morne Morkel Appointed Bowling Coach of Indian Men's Cricket TeamFormer South African fast bowler Morne Morkel has been appointed as the bowling coach of the Indian men's cricket team, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Wednesday. Morkel's tenure will commence from September 1, 2023.Morkel, 39, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is for South Africa. During his illustrious career, he claimed a total of 544 international wickets, establishing himself as one of the most formidable bowlers of his generation.Morkel's appointment reunites him with chief coach Gautam Gambhir, with whom he worked at the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The duo will be tasked with guiding the Indian team to success in upcoming tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.Morkel's appointment has been met with praise from the Indian cricket fraternity. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar hailed Morkel as "a great choice" for the role, citing his experience and knowledge of the game."Morne Morkel is a great choice for the bowling coach of the Indian team," Gavaskar said. "He has a lot of experience and knowledge of the game. He will be a great asset to the team."Morkel's appointment is expected to bolster the Indian team's bowling attack, which has been a concern in recent times. The team has struggled to find consistency in their bowling, particularly in the death overs. Morkel's expertise and experience will be invaluable in addressing these issues.The Indian team is currently preparing for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates from August 27 to September 11. Morkel's appointment is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the team's preparations for the tournament.

Left-Handed Legends: Unforgettable Innings that Captivated CricketInternational Left Handers Day provides an opportune moment to celebrate the remarkable contributions of left-handed batsmen to the sport of cricket. These southpaws have etched their names into cricket's annals with their exceptional performances, leaving an indelible mark on the game.Sourav Ganguly's Majestic 183In the 1999 Cricket World Cup, Sourav Ganguly's scintillating 183 against Sri Lanka remains a cherished memory. Batting with characteristic flair and timing, Ganguly's innings propelled India to a memorable victory. His knock showcased his pivotal role in Indian cricket, inspiring a generation of players.Gautam Gambhir's Resilient 97Gautam Gambhir's composed 97 in the 2011 ICC World Cup final epitomized his resilience and determination. Opening the batting against Sri Lanka, Gambhir anchored India's chase with a gritty innings. His knock played a crucial role in India's historic World Cup triumph after 28 years.Brian Lara's Immortal 400 Not OutBrian Lara's record-breaking 400 not out against England in 2004 stands as a testament to his exceptional skill and endurance. Over the course of his marathon innings, Lara displayed an array of exquisite strokes, setting the benchmark for individual brilliance in Test cricket.Saeed Anwar's Elegant 194Saeed Anwar's breathtaking 194 against India in 1997 showcased his elegance and grace. Batting with effortless timing, Anwar's innings was a symphony of fluent strokes. His cover drives and effortless pulls were a sight to behold, setting a record for the highest individual score in ODIs at the time.Matthew Hayden's Brutal 380Matthew Hayden's colossal 380 against Zimbabwe in 2003 displayed his raw power and dominance. This innings stood as the highest individual score in Test cricket before Brian Lara's 375 against England. Hayden's brutal hitting and relentless aggression left an unforgettable mark on the game.These unforgettable innings by left-handed batsmen serve as a testament to their immense talent and the indelible impact they have made on cricket. Their performances have captivated fans worldwide, inspiring generations of players and leaving a lasting legacy in the annals of the sport.

Gautam Gambhir's tenure as Team India's head coach has witnessed a contrasting start, marked by a dominant T20I series victory over Sri Lanka followed by a disappointing ODI series loss.In the T20I series, India under Gambhir's leadership showcased their prowess, securing a 3-0 sweep against Sri Lanka. Suryakumar Yadav emerged as a key performer, showcasing his exceptional batting skills. However, the euphoria was short-lived as Sri Lanka bounced back in the ODI series, claiming a 2-0 victory.The ODI series exposed India's batting frailties on turning pitches, despite the presence of star players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa attributed the team's struggles to the departure of Rahul Dravid as head coach, leaving a significant void to fill.Uthappa expressed confidence in Gambhir's ability to guide India to continued success, particularly in the T20 format. He highlighted Gambhir's leadership qualities, tactical acumen, and ability to create a positive team environment."He's always been someone who thrives under pressure and has consistently sought out big stages to deliver. As far as I'm concerned, I see the same qualities in him as a leader within this group," Uthappa said.India's next challenge lies in a series against Bangladesh, commencing on September 19. The tour will feature two Tests and three T20Is, providing Gambhir with an opportunity to further shape the team's performance and establish his coaching credentials.

Gautam Gambhir's tenure as head coach of the Indian cricket team began with a promising 3-0 whitewash of Sri Lanka in the T20Is. However, the team suffered a setback in the subsequent 50-over format, losing the three-match series 2-0.The conditions in the one-dayers were challenging, with spin-friendly surfaces making batting progressively difficult. While some argue that such pitches are outliers and should not be overanalyzed, the reverses in the ODIs may serve as a timely wake-up call for the team management.Gambhir's vision for the team emphasizes the development of all-rounders and the ability of batters to bowl. Players like Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma have been given opportunities to roll their arms over. In last year's 50-over World Cup, India's lack of genuine all-rounders, aside from Ravindra Jadeja, left them with a long tail. In this series, India's batting depth extended to eight and even nine in the final one-dayer, with the inclusion of all-rounders Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, and Riyan Parag.Another notable aspect of the tour was the preference for having a left-handed and right-handed batter in the middle as much as possible. However, it remains to be seen whether this strategy will be maintained in the future.Individually, Washington and Parag impressed with their bowling. Parag was effective in the T20s and on his one-day debut, mixing his off- and leg-breaks well. Washington, the Player-of-the-Series in Zimbabwe, continued his fine form, providing vital breakthroughs in the one-dayers.Shivam Dube was given a sustained run in this series to assess his potential as a backup for Hardik Pandya. While his bowling was decent, his inability to close out games with the bat was a disappointment. Known for his ability to hit spinners, Dube failed to do so in the challenging conditions.Rishabh Pant's return to the one-day set-up in the final game came two years after his life-threatening accident but lasted only nine deliveries. For now, it seems that K.L. Rahul, who has been impressive as a middle-order batter in recent years, will continue to don the wicketkeeping gloves.A major concern for the coaching staff is the team's inability to find a reliable third seamer. Arshdeep Singh was unimpressive in the two games, and the team could not try out Khaleel Ahmed or Harshit Rana.India would have wanted to shore up its resources for a few slots in an otherwise settled one-day set-up. The results, though, were mixed, and management will have plenty to ponder in the near future.

With the ODI series against Sri Lanka hanging in the balance, the Indian cricket team intensified their preparations on Tuesday ahead of the crucial third and final ODI in Colombo on Wednesday. The first ODI ended in a thrilling tie last Friday, while Sri Lanka emerged victorious in the second ODI by 32 runs on Sunday.Under the guidance of new head coach Gautam Gambhir, India is determined to avoid their first series loss to Sri Lanka in 27 years. The Indian cricket board (BCCI) shared a video on their official Twitter handle showcasing the Rohit Sharma-led team practicing diligently under the watchful eyes of interim bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule, assistant coaches Ryan ten Doeschate, and Abhishek Nayar.Bahutule emphasized the team's focus on addressing areas of improvement, particularly in bowling. "We've been working on certain areas that we need to improve on, and the bowlers have been trying to implement a specific pattern of bowling," he said. "We're trying to find solutions to match that and overcome the challenges."According to reports, Rohit Sharma participated in practice but did not bat. Rishabh Pant showcased his aggressive batting against the spinners in the nets, while Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul had extended batting sessions. Notably, Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh did not bowl during the practice session.Ryan ten Doeschate highlighted the team's efforts to learn from their mistakes in the first two games. "We're trying to be specific and learn from the mistakes we made in the first couple of games," he said. "The conditions have been tough, but the guys have come up with their own plans. We're trying to create a positive environment where the players can express themselves and showcase their abilities."With the second match ending in a loss, India faces a dilemma between fielding their strongest XI or experimenting ahead of the next major ICC tournament, which is scheduled to take place in just six months.Abhishek Nayar expressed confidence in the team's ability to bounce back from the setback. "As Indians, we are emotional people," he said. "When we don't get the results we want, it brings out the passion and integrity of each individual. Every cricketer in that dressing room knows what's at stake, and that often brings out the best in the team."A loss in the third ODI would be a disappointing outcome for the newly appointed Gautam Gambhir-led coaching staff, who took over a team that had been performing exceptionally well in ODI cricket less than a year ago. Despite their early success, they would be eager to avoid ending their two-week tour of Sri Lanka with more questions than answers.

The recent ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka marked a significant transition for the Indian cricket team under the leadership of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. While the tour provided an opportunity to experiment with young talent, Gambhir's decision to include experienced veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma has sparked debate among cricket experts.Former India fast bowler Ashish Nehra believes that the inclusion of Kohli and Sharma was not the optimal strategy. He argues that the series presented an ideal chance to give opportunities to emerging players, especially considering the extended break before India's next assignment."This was a good chance to give chances to young talents," Nehra said. "The presence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma was not required for this series."Nehra acknowledges that Gambhir, as a new coach, may have wanted to spend time with experienced players. However, he believes that Gambhir is well-acquainted with Kohli and Sharma and could have afforded to give other players a chance."I know Gambhir is a new coach, and he wants to spend some time with the experienced players, but it isn't like he doesn't know the two of them," Nehra said. "He is not a foreign coach who wants to get his equation right with Kohli and Rohit."Nehra suggests that the series could have been an opportunity to experiment with new combinations and give young players valuable experience. He believes that Kohli and Sharma could have been rested for the Sri Lanka tour and brought back for the upcoming home season."It was a good opportunity for him to try out the new players, and Rohit and Kohli could play when the home season begins," Nehra said. "I'm not saying it is a wrong approach, but it could have been one of the strategies in this series."Gambhir's decision to include Kohli and Sharma has raised questions about his long-term vision for the Indian team. While the experienced duo remains vital to India's success, it is crucial to develop and nurture young talent to ensure a smooth transition in the future.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current head coach of Team India, has often been perceived as arrogant due to his intense desire to win. However, his childhood coach, Sanjay Bharadwaj, believes this perception is a misunderstanding.Bharadwaj, who has known Gambhir for over three decades, describes him as a "kid" with an innocent and pure heart. He emphasizes that Gambhir's competitive spirit and determination to succeed are often mistaken for arrogance."People think he is arrogant, but that is his attitude towards winning," Bharadwaj said. "He has always been a fierce competitor, even as a young boy. He would cry after losing matches because he hated defeat."Bharadwaj credits Gambhir for his unwavering commitment to developing young players. He cites the example of pacer Navdeep Saini, who was given a chance in the Indian team thanks to Gambhir's insistence."Gambhir is not just about winning," Bharadwaj said. "He is also about shaping the careers of young players. He is polite and has a good heart."As Team India head coach, Gambhir has focused on developing the team's tactical approach. He has been praised for his innovative strategies, such as handing the ball to Rinku Singh and Suryakumar Yadav in the recent T20I series against Sri Lanka."Gambhir is not a technical coach," Bharadwaj said. "He is a tactical coach. His job is to boost morale and inject confidence into players who may not be sure of themselves."Bharadwaj believes that Gambhir's passion for winning and his commitment to developing young players make him an ideal coach for Team India. He is confident that Gambhir will lead the team to success in the upcoming tournaments.

Gautam Gambhir's tenure as India's head coach commenced with a resounding 3-0 series victory over Sri Lanka in the recently concluded Twenty20 International (T20I) series. The Men in Blue, led by newly appointed skipper Suryakumar Yadav, displayed resilience and determination throughout the series, culminating in a thrilling Super Over win in the third and final T20I.Gambhir, who succeeded Rahul Dravid as head coach, has been entrusted with a long-term contract that extends until the end of 2027. His appointment was met with mixed reactions, with some questioning his suitability for the role. However, Gambhir has quickly silenced his critics with a series win in his first assignment.In the post-match dressing room chat, Gambhir lauded Suryakumar's leadership and the team's fighting spirit. He emphasized the importance of consistency and improvement, particularly on pitches that favor spin bowling."Congratulations on a great series win. Congratulations to Surya as well, outstanding captaincy and performance with the bat. I asked for something before the start of the game, and you absolutely delivered it. This is what happens when you keep fighting and don't give up," Gambhir said."These kinds of games happen, and the only way these key games can go in our favor is when we keep fighting for every delivery and every run, and this was a prime example," he added.Gambhir's appointment has sparked a renewed sense of optimism within the Indian cricket fraternity. His experience as a player and his reputation as a tough taskmaster are expected to benefit the team in the long run.However, former India cricketer Joginder Sharma has expressed concerns about Gambhir's longevity as head coach. Sharma believes that Gambhir's uncompromising nature and tendency to make bold decisions may lead to conflicts within the team."Gautam Gambhir is the one to manage the team, but I believe that Gautam Gambhir will not be able to stay for a long time," Sharma said. "This is because Gautam Gambhir has his own decisions. It might happen that he has a disagreement with a player. I am not talking about Virat Kohli. Many times, Gautam Gambhir's decisions are such that others do not like them."Despite these concerns, Gambhir has made a positive start to his tenure as head coach. The team's performance in the Sri Lanka series suggests that they are responding well to his leadership. Only time will tell whether Gambhir can sustain this momentum and guide India to success in major tournaments.