Social media recently brought to light an old video of Gautam Gambhir where he said that he would wish to see Morne Morkel joining his IPL team after the former South African fast bowler was appointed as Team India’s new bowling coach.
In the video, Gambhir’s remarks show his appreciation for Morkel’s talent and what he could potentially bring into an IPL team. This shows how much respect and recognition the South African pacer has been accorded by one of India’s previous opening batsmen.
Morkel retired from international cricket at the end of 2018 following a series against Australia. In a career spanning well over a decade, the 39-year-old represented the Rainbow Nation across 86 Tests, 117 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 44 T20Is.
Apart from being renowned globally , Morkel also has an impressive track record in IPL having played about 70 matches in total. He played for three franchises in this tournament-Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders.
“That’s why I got him, honestly that’s why we got him in the KKR as well. I thought he was the toughest bowler I have faced. Isko apni side lelo. Jab wo Delhi ke liye khel raha tha every time I would face him, I would come back and say yar I wish we have Morne Morkel,” Gambhir said in the video.
Gambhir later became friends with Morkel while working together at Lucknow Super Giants where Gambhir acted as captain for two years. However, despite Andy Flower moving to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gambhir leaving for KKR, Morkel stuck around with this franchise based out of Lucknow.
The coaching staff currently includes Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate serving as assistant coaches while T Dilip remains fielding coach, a position he held during Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach.
