'Toughest bowler I ever faced' - Gautam Gambhir's comments on Morne Morkel resurface after appointment as bowling coach

Former South Africa pacer Morne Morkel has joined the Indian team coaching setup as the bowling coach. The newly-appointed Head Coach of team India, Gautam Gambhir, was adamant about having Morkel as the bowling coach. After obtaining his preferred individuals Abhishek Nayar and Ryan Ten Doeschate as assistant coaches, the veteran’s appointment has completed Gambhir’s dream coaching team. 

The former India opener had previously termed Morkel as the "fiercest bowler" he has faced in his career. It is worth noting that the South Africa pacer had also held coaching responsibilities with the Pakistan team. The bond between the two stalwarts is palpable as the duo were teammates in Kolkata Knight Riders and were in charge of Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League.

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"The fiercest bowler you ever faced?" Gambhir was asked on 'Breakfast with Champions'.

"Morne Morkel in South Africa," replied Gambhir.

"Yeah. Awkward Bounce?" he was asked again.

"Yeah, that's why we got him in the KKR as well. He was the toughest bowler I faced. 100 per cent. When he played for Delhi (Daredevils), I would come back and say I wish we had Morne Morkel," Gambhir added.

Here’s the video of Gambhir’s old conversation about Morkel:

Strengthening Indian pace battery would be Morkel’s priority  

Morkel has played a substantial amount of cricket in the sub-continent. He has even featured in IPL and has possess good sense of the cricketing culture in India. He was part of LSG’s coaching setup and is already in essence with India’s next crop of bowlers such as Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Yash Thakur.

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The 39-year-old quit his contract with Pakistan Cricket after the conclusion of World Cup 2023. Morkel will be crucial for the Indian team as he would be a key asset to bring Mohammed Shami back into groove, after the injury recuperation. Moreover, the likes of Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed potentially debuting in red-ball cricket will expect a quirky cricketing sense from the former out-and-out all-rounder.