Morne Morkel, the newly appointed bowling coach for the Indian cricket team, has opened up about the deeply emotional moment he experienced after receiving the offer for the role. The former South African fast bowler, who is set to begin his tenure with the Indian team for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, described the profound impact of the news on him.
Morkel, who played 89 Test matches for South Africa, revealed that he took a moment to absorb the gravity of the offer before reaching out to anyone. “When I finished the call, I sat for about five minutes in the room just reflecting on the significance of it,” Morkel said. This brief period of reflection allowed him to fully appreciate the magnitude of the opportunity ahead.
Instead of immediately calling his wife, as one might expect, Morkel chose to phone his father first. “I called my dad before even speaking to my wife,” Morkel explained. “Normally, they say you should call your wife first, but in this case, it felt right to talk to my dad. He’s been a huge cricket fan for years and has always supported my career. Given his passion for the game and how much he has followed my journey, it felt like a fitting tribute to share this moment with him first.”
Morkel's father has been a significant figure in his life and career, and this opportunity with the Indian team is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The role comes at an exciting time, with Morkel joining the Indian squad as they prepare for the Test series against Bangladesh, with the first Test scheduled to start on September 19 in Chennai.
Reflecting on the emotional conversation with his father, Morkel said it was a “very special moment” for both of them. The experience underscored the personal and professional significance of his new role and highlighted the close bond between father and son, rooted in their shared love for cricket.
