Morne Morkel to be named India’s bowling coach? Gautam Gambhir drops hint in his first press meet

Gautam Gambhir addressed his first press conference on Monday (July 22) after being appointed as the head coach of the Indian men's cricket team. Gambhir faced a series of tough questions as the team underwent some notable changes after their historic T20 World Cup win.

The former KKR mentor's maiden assignment is India's upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, which will include a three-match T20I and ODI series starting on July 27. However, it is noteworthy that his support staff is yet to be decided. Gambhir had suggested some names that he would like to see by his side, but there is still no confirmation on who will be on the panel.

There were earlier reports that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had agreed to Gambhir’s request to include Abhishek Nayar and Ryan Ten Doeschate in the support staff. However, it is learned that the apex cricket board has rejected his request to hire Morne Morkel as the bowling coach.

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BCCI gave me most things that I asked for: Gambhir

During the press conference, the former India opener, when asked about the coaching panel, said that BCCI will finalise the names after the Sri Lanka tour. He added that the board had accepted most of his suggestions and was happy with its decisions.

"Happy with BCCI, they have given me most things that I asked for. Will get to know exact support staff after Sri Lanka tour," said Gambhir.

It is not clear why BCCI is not interested in former South Africa pacer Morkel. Relatively young, he has previous experience in coaching, including the Pakistan men's team in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Former India spin all-rounder Sairaj Bahutule has been appointed as the interim bowling coach and will accompany the Indian team to Sri Lanka.

Nayar and Doeschate are no strangers to Gambhir as all three worked together at KKR. Both are reportedly set to travel for the upcoming tour. Notably, fielding coach T Dileep remains the lone face from the previous coaching staff headed by Rahul Dravid.

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