Cricket

Morne Morkel, the newly appointed bowling coach for the Indian cricket team, has expressed his intention to enhance the existing system rather than implementing drastic changes. With an impressive record of 544 international wickets, Morkel brings a wealth of experience to the Indian team ahead of their upcoming series against Bangladesh.Morkel has lauded the efficiency and professionalism of India's cricket structure, stating that his primary goal is to "protect and improve" the current setup with subtle modifications. He acknowledges the leadership qualities of senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah, emphasizing their role in guiding the team.Morkel's approach focuses on building trust and fostering relationships within the team. He aims to create a welcoming environment where players feel comfortable sharing their concerns and seeking guidance. By sharing his knowledge and experience, he hopes to help players manage the pressures associated with representing India."The blue shirt carries a lot of expectations," Morkel said. "My role is to make players feel welcome in this environment, help them settle in, and pass on my knowledge."Morkel's appointment is seen as a strategic move to bolster India's bowling strength. His experience and expertise will complement the team's established framework, providing additional support and guidance to the players.

Morne Morkel, the former South African fast bowler, has taken on the significant role of India's bowling coach, succeeding renowned predecessors Bharat Arun and Paras Mhambrey. At 39, Morkel brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as Pakistan's bowling coach and worked with New Zealand and Namibia in the T20 World Cups.One of the key challenges Morkel faces is gaining the trust of the Indian bowlers, which is essential for effective communication and success in his new position. Ex-South Africa all-rounder Albie Morkel, Morne's brother, emphasizes that earning the trust of established team members will be his main task."It goes without saying that being on the Indian team's coaching staff is probably the biggest responsibility or coaching job out there," Albie Morkel told Mid-day. "The passion for the sport and the success that the team had in the past makes it a job with no room for error."Morkel will collaborate with some of the world's best bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, widely considered the best fast bowler across all formats. Albie Morkel believes that Morne admires Bumrah's versatility and ability to perform in various conditions."Not sure but Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah," Albie said when asked about the Indian bowlers Morne admires. "Once again, I don't know what his exact thoughts would be, but Jasprit is the best all-format bowler in the world. He is very special, and I'm sure Morne would love to work with him."Despite not having an extensive coaching resume like some of his predecessors, Morkel's experience is noteworthy. He has worked with bowlers from different countries and cultures, which will be valuable in his new role. Albie Morkel highlights the importance of his brother's experience, particularly in addressing the mental aspects of the game, which can be crucial for bowlers dealing with challenges such as injuries."It's a fine line between being too technical and what's right," Albie said. "I think the game has changed so much over the last decade. Younger bowlers or bowlers who struggle with injuries probably need more technical work, and after that, it's about fine-tuning what you have. The mental aspect becomes very important then to sustain longevity."Morkel's appointment has the potential to bring a fresh perspective to India's bowling attack, possibly unlocking new achievements for the team. His combination of experience, technical expertise, and understanding of the game's mental demands sets the stage for an intriguing chapter in Indian cricket.

Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling prowess has left former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey in awe, acknowledging that the pacer's talent transcends the need for guidance. Widely regarded as the world's most complete bowler across all formats, Bumrah's recent 15-wicket haul in India's triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign earned him the 'Player of the Tournament' accolade.Mhambrey candidly admits that while he would relish the opportunity to be known as Bumrah's coach, the reality is that the bowler is a "once-in-a-generation" talent. "What better than Bumrah bowling and I taking the credit? But I don't. He is a once-in-a-generation bowler," Mhambrey said in an interview with Vimal Kumar on the latter's YouTube channel.Bumrah's unwavering determination and meticulous attention to detail are key to his success. "He remembers when a batter hit him for a boundary two years ago. He is very competitive and constantly wants to improve. We have to be very smart in handling and preserving him," Mhambrey emphasized.During his tenure as bowling coach from November 2021 to the conclusion of the 2024 T20 World Cup, Mhambrey witnessed the rise of other talented bowlers, including Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh. However, Bumrah's brilliance remains unmatched."When I talk to him, I realize that he has a very clear mindset and knows what he is going to do. He understands when a batter is uncomfortable facing him. He then tries to exploit the situation. He will pick up small nuances to guess what the batter is trying to do," Mhambrey explained.Bumrah's dominance extends across all formats, making him the undisputed No. 1 bowler in the world. His phenomenal performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he claimed 15 wickets at an astonishing economy of 4.17, showcased his ability to deliver under pressure.Whether against Pakistan in the group stage, Australia in the Super 8, or South Africa in the final, Bumrah's four overs consistently made a decisive impact. His exceptional skill and unwavering determination have established him as one of the greatest bowlers of all time.