South African fast bowler Morne Morkel, who recently took over as the bowling coach for the Indian men’s cricket team, shared his love for Indian cuisine in a recent interview with bcci.tv. Morkel, who has been a part of the Lucknow Super Giants’ support staff in the Indian Premier League (IPL), expressed his fondness for dosa, a popular South Indian dish, along with other Indian delicacies.
Reflecting on his food preferences, Morkel said, “I like a bit of puri. For breakfast, obviously, I love my dosas. Milk, malai, chicken, and naan breads are also some of my favorites.” However, as a coach, Morkel emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, adding, “It’s important as a coach to show that you eat healthy, and the rest of the players will follow that.”
India’s rich culinary diversity has made its mark on people worldwide, and Morkel is no exception. His appreciation for local delicacies adds a personal touch to his new role with Team India.
Ready for the Challenge
Morkel is gearing up for his first major assignment as the bowling coach of the Indian men’s team, a two-match Test series against Bangladesh starting on September 19, 2024, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Speaking about the task ahead, Morkel expressed his readiness to face the challenges and help the Indian bowlers shine on home soil.
“India playing in India, wearing the blue shirt, there’s a lot of expectations,” Morkel acknowledged. He emphasized the importance of making players feel comfortable and welcomed in what can often be an intimidating environment. “It’s about looking after them and upskilling them to get them up to the standard. We’re ready to take up this challenge,” he said.
Jason Holder and Rovman Powell’s Stunning Boundary Catch Steals the Spotlight in CPL 2024
Focus on Supporting Senior Players
Morkel, who had a stellar international career for South Africa, is aware of the expectations that come with coaching a top-tier team like India. “There are always going to be expectations of winning,” he remarked, adding that his experience as a player will help him guide the team through high-pressure situations.
He also highlighted the presence of quality senior players in the Indian squad, saying, “The senior players will lead the charge, and it’s our responsibility to support them and give them the best advice we can.”
Morkel is looking forward to making small but significant improvements in the team’s performance, ensuring that the current setup, which “operates by itself,” continues to thrive under his guidance.
As Morkel prepares for his new role, fans are eager to see how his experience and fresh perspective will influence India’s bowling unit in the upcoming series against Bangladesh.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram
