Jasprit Bumrah-led India pace attack impresses new bowling coach Morne Morkel in training - WATCH

Ace Indian seamer Jasprit Bumrah knows a thing or two about impressing anyone with his skillset, and new Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel is the latest to applaud him. Probably already a fan of Bumrah for his on-field antics, especially for his signature ‘Yorker’ delivery, Morkel admitted the Indian pace attack blew him away with their professionalism during his first training session with Team India in Chennai on Friday (Sep 13).

The BCCI appointed Morkel as the new bowling coach, with the former South African joining the camp ahead of the Bangladesh Tests starting September 19 in Chennai.

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Speaking on BCCI.TV for the first time since joining Gautam Gambhir in India’s backroom staff, Morkel reflected on the first day with the Indian Team.

WATCH VIDEO -

⏪ Feeling after being named Bowling Coach
🏏 Goals for an exciting home season
🍲 Savouring Indian Food 😃

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 #𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗕𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 - 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗹 🙌 - By @RajalArora

WATCH 🎥🔽 #INDvBAN | @mornemorkel65 | @IDFCFIRSTBank — BCCI (@BCCI) September 14, 2024

Clicked attending the pep talk by new head coach Gambhir, Morkel said he aims to build healthy relationships within the team.

#INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/mANaHvfLfN — BCCI (@BCCI) September 13, 2024

Having played and worked (in different capacities) with most Test-bound players, Morkel wishes to build on the camaraderie with the players to ensure a smooth and better working environment, eventually leading to success across formats.

“For me, it's just important to connect well with the guys. I've played with and against some of these players, and watched them in the IPL. To be in a camp and form relationships with them is very important. Today was just about that - to get an understanding about the guys, find out their strengths and weaknesses, and setting goals for the upcoming series,” Morkel said while speaking on BCCI.TV.

‘Building on the momentum’

Meanwhile, the BCCI just announced the squad for the first Test, with the board picking eight bowlers, including four seamers and as many spinners. Besides regulars like Bumrah and Siraj in the pace attack, Akash Deep and Yash Dayal also got picked.

Although Mohammed Shami, who continues to recover from his ankle injury, has yet to join the Indian Team, Morkel is amazed by the skillset of the available pacers.

Morkel adds that he wishes to build on the momentum and work towards achieving success at all levels.

“I was blown away by how they went about their things and how professional they were. So, that's a good sign, and hopefully we can build on that,” Morkel continued.

Meanwhile, Team India began preparations for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh. While Chennai will host the first Test on Sep 19, Kanpur will stage the second match starting Sep 27.

(With inputs from agencies)