I feel ready to take up the challenge: Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel

India bowling coach Morne Morkel says he understands the heightened expectations that come with his new assignment

CHENNAI: Morne Morkel wreaked havoc with the steep bounce he generated as a bowler. A success in all forms of the game including the IPL, the 39-year-old former South African paceman is now India's bowling coach.

There were quite a few prominent names in the fray including L Balaji for the job, but it was Morkel's experience of working with Gautam Gambhir at Lucknow Super Giants that clinched the deal for him.

The series against Bangladesh, starting at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here, will be his first assignment but Morkel feels he doesn't have to tweak anything. It "operates by itself", the South African told bcci.tv on the sidelines of India's training camp at Chepauk on Saturday.

Excerpts...
On deciding to take up a coaching role with India:
When I ended the call, I sat for about five minutes in the room reflecting on it. I then phoned my dad and spoke about it. I did not go to my wife; normally they say that you go to your wife first. But I spoke to my dad. Knowing what is sort of going to come, it was quite a special moment. I enjoyed it for five to seven minutes myself. Then I shared it with my family, that there is an opportunity and that it might happen. I'm delighted to have eventually got things over the line. I'm here now in the set-up and I'm looking forward to a great journey.

On his first day at the office:
I just wanted to get an understanding about the guys, their strengths and weaknesses, and help them a little bit with the setting of goals for the upcoming series. Those are the sort of conversations we had. The guys did really well. I was blown away by how they went about things and how professional they were. It is a good sign and hopefully, we can build on that.

On contributing to the Indian cricket set-up:
I feel ready to take up this challenge. I understand and know that there is going to be the expectation of winning. Luckily, I have experienced it in my playing days. I can share that knowledge. When I was on the plane, I reflected. We are so lucky to have quality senior players. The senior players will lead the charge and it is our responsibility to support them and give them the best advice. This is a set-up that operates by itself. To protect that and make it better in some ways is going to be the goal.

On his primary objectives as the bowling coach:
For me, it is important to connect well with the guys. I have played a lot against some of the players. I have seen and connected a little with some of the guys during the IPL. To be in the camp... to form friendships and relationships is very important for me.

On helping the players deliver their best under pressure:
It is one thing to have the talent and skill - how can you make those guys feel welcome in an intimidating sort of environment. When India are playing, there is a lot of expectation. Having that experience and going through that, it is about passing on the knowledge to help them settle and feel at home. As soon as the players feel that they belong here and are comfortable within the space, the performances will come. It is about looking after that and from there, upskill them and get them up to the standard.




Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 updates, including the full schedule, teams, live scores, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.