“He will be surrounded by some very good players who have achieved a lot” – Albie Morkel on Morne Morkel’s appointment as Team India bowling coach

Former South African all-rounder Albie Morkel has shed light on his brother Morne Morkel’s upcoming stint as Team India’s bowling coach. Morkel has previously coached Pakistan and also coached Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League.

Morkel will take India’s bowling coaching baton from Paras Mhambrey and he will look to deliver the goods. Albie said Morne would be surrounded by some very good players who had achieved a lot in their careers.

The upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh will be Morkel’s maiden assignment as India’s bowling coach. 

“It goes without saying that being on the Indian team’s coaching staff is probably the biggest responsibility or coaching job out there. The passion for the sport and the success that the team had in the past makes it a job with no room for error. He will be surrounded by some very good players who have achieved a lot, so I guess, for him, it’s a matter of earning their trust and believe that he can help to reach their full potential day in and day out,” Albie Morkel said in an interview with Mid-Day.

Albie, who played for CSK in the IPL, said the coach’s role is to hone the skills of younger players.

“It’s a fine line between being too technical and what’s right. I think the game has changed so much over the last decade. Younger bowlers or bowlers who struggle with injuries probably need more technical work, and after that it’s about fine tuning what you have. The mental aspect becomes very important then to sustain longevity,” he added

On the other hand, Albie reckons India’s gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is really special and Morne will enjoy working with him.

“Once again, I don’t know what his exact thoughts would be, but Jasprit is the best all-format bowler in the world. He is very special and I’m sure Morne would love to work with him,” Albie stated in the same interview.

India will take on Bangladesh in the first Test match, starting September 19.