Indian National Cricket Team’s coaching staff, former pacer Zaheer Khan, has spoken out about Gautam Gambhir’s choice to appoint Morne Morkel as the bowling coach instead of him.
Zaheer Khan recently shared his thoughts on not being chosen as India’s bowling coach, showing professionalism and support for Morne Morkel, who was selected instead. Khan praised Morkel’s work ethic, saying, “Morne is someone with whom I have spent time within one of the franchises. He’s great to work with.” Khan believes Morkel’s presence will benefit the Indian bowlers, highlighting his respect for Morkel’s skills and his positive influence on the team.
This decision follows a significant shakeup in the team’s coaching lineup after the T20 World Cup 2024. Gambhir, the new head coach, was tasked with selecting his support staff, leading to Morkel’s appointment, which has generated considerable interest and debate.
Khan, who was also considered for the role, has expressed his admiration for Morkel, praising his skills and suggesting that Morkel’s presence will benefit the Indian bowlers. As the team adjusts to these changes, the cricketing community is eager to see how Morkel’s expertise will impact their performance.
Zaheer Khan’s Candidacy and Gambhir's Decision
Zaheer Khan, a celebrated former Indian pacer, was widely considered a strong candidate for the bowling coach position. Khan’s illustrious career included 92 Tests, 200 ODIs, and 17 T20Is for India, with a crucial role in India’s 2011 World Cup victory.
His extensive experience and deep understanding of fast bowling made him a popular choice among fans and pundits alike.
However, the decision ultimately favored Morne Morkel, the former South African fast bowler. Morkel, who has had a distinguished career with South Africa, was chosen based on Gambhir’s recommendation. The decision to bring in Morkel was influenced by the fresh perspective he could offer and his ability to work closely with the current group of Indian bowlers.
Gambhir's New Coaching Team
Following the T20 World Cup, the Indian cricket team moved on to a new chapter, with Gautam Gambhir appointed as the head coach. Known for his sharp leadership and strategic mindset, Gambhir was trusted with the task of forming his own coaching team to guide the team through the upcoming challenges. Key appointments included Abhishek Nayar and Ryan Ten Doeschate as assistant coaches, both of whom bring valuable experience to their roles. Additionally, T. Dilip was retained as the fielding coach, ensuring continuity in one of the team’s crucial departments.
However, the role of the bowling coach remained unfilled initially, sparking much speculation and interest among cricket fans and analysts. During India’s tour of Sri Lanka, Sairaj Bahutule, a respected coach from the National Cricket Academy (NCA), was brought in as an interim bowling coach. His tenure provided a temporary solution while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) worked on finalizing a permanent appointment. The delay in naming a permanent bowling coach led to widespread speculation about potential candidates, including former players and current coaches, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the team’s new setup.
With the BCCI’s assurance that a permanent bowling coach would be appointed soon, anticipation grew about who would ultimately secure the role. This period of uncertainty underscored the significant role the bowling coach plays in shaping the team’s performance, highlighting the importance of finding the right fit for this position.
