As the Indian cricket team wraps up its tour of Sri Lanka, preparations are underway to appoint a full-time bowling coach. This move follows a request from head coach Gautam Gambhir, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expected to finalise the decision during the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.
Candidate for the Next Bowling Coach
Currently, Sairaj Bahutule serves as India's bowling coach, with T Dilip handling fielding duties, and Ryan ten Doeschate and Abhishek Nayar assisting Gambhir. However, Bahutule's tenure is set to end post the Sri Lanka series. Reports suggest that former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel is the leading candidate for the permanent bowling coach role.
Experience of Working with Gautam Gambhir
Morkel's previous collaborations with Gambhir strengthen his candidacy. He has worked with Gambhir at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and played under his leadership at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Although Morkel was initially expected to join the team for the Sri Lanka tour, he returned home due to his father's health issues.
Fans’ Expectations
With five of India’s remaining Tests in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle to be played on home soil, there is significant anticipation surrounding the coaching decision. If Bahutule retains his position, the coaching staff will include head coach Gambhir, assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, bowling coach Morne Morkel, fielding coach T Dilip, and a spin bowling coach, making it a sizable team.
Fans and analysts are keenly watching to see whether the BCCI will opt to maintain the current coaching structure or introduce Morkel as a fresh face in the bowling department. The decision will play a crucial role in shaping India's strategy and performance in the upcoming matches.