Official! Former South Africa pacer Morne Morkel named Team India's bowling coach

Ahead of India's home season, former South African pacer Morne Morkel has been appointed India's bowling coach. His contract commences on September 1. The development was confirmed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. Morkel was not able to join the Indian team during their recent tour of Sri Lanka, due to personal reasons. However, he is now set to take over as the bowling coach with the commencement of India's hectic home season.

Earlier, it was reported that current head coach Gautam Gambhir had recommended Morkel's name as the bowling coach, as per a report in Cricbuzz. The two played together during KKR's golden days, during Gambhir's captaincy tenure, and were also part of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)'s backroom team. The South African, thus, completes Gambhir-led coaching staff which comprises assistant coach Abhishek Nayar (batting) and T Dilip (fielding).

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Morkel had a fruitful career at the international level. He represented South Africa in 86 Tests,117 ODIs and 44 T20Is. He accounted for 309 Test scalps -- including 18 five-fers -- 188 ODI wickets and 47 victims in T20Is. In the IPL, the 39-year-old featured for KKR, Delhi Daredevils (now known as Delhi Capitals) and Rajasthan Royals (RR).

It will be interesting to see how Morkel -- who retired from international cricket in 2018 -- operates with Indian pacers such as Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, etc.

Notably, Morkel served as Babar Azam-led Pakistan's bowling coach during last year's ODI World Cup in India. He, however, stepped down from the role months before his contract was to endwith the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

At present, the Indian team is on a break. They will kick offtheir home season with two Tests versus Bangladesh, starting next month.