India’s Asia Cup plans are focused on striking the perfect balance, with bowling coach Morné Morkel highlighting the growing importance of Shivam Dube. The Mumbai all-rounder has become a regular feature in India’s T20I setup and is now being backed to play a bigger role. Morkel revealed that the team sees Dube as a proper…
Morne Morkel: From South African Spearhead to India’s Bowling Coach
Morne Morkel, born on 6 October 1984 in Vereeniging, South Africa, is a former professional fast bowler and the current bowling coach of the India men’s national cricket team, appointed in August 2024. Morkel played for South Africa from 2006 to 2018 and later contributed to several T20 leagues and national sides in coaching roles. He played a key role in India’s victory in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
Profile Summary
Attribute
Details
Full Name
Morne Morkel
Born
6 October 1984, Vereeniging, South Africa
Role
Fast Bowler and Coach
Batting Style
Left-handed
Bowling Style
Right-arm fast
International Career
2006–2018
Coaching Career
2023–present
Career Overview
International Cricket (South Africa)
Test Matches: 86
Wickets: 309
Best Bowling: 6/23
ODIs: 117
Wickets: 188
Best Bowling: 5/21
T20Is: 44
Wickets: 47
Best Bowling: 4/17
Morkel made his Test debut in 2006 against India and reached the milestone of 300 Test wickets in his farewell series against Australia in 2018. Known for his bounce and pace, he was part of a formidable pace attack alongside Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander.
IPL and T20 Franchise Career
Morkel was a key figure in the Indian Premier League, especially in 2012 when he won the Purple Cap with 25 wickets for Delhi Daredevils. His IPL teams included:
Rajasthan Royals (2008–2010)
Delhi Daredevils (2011–2013)
Kolkata Knight Riders (2014–2016)
He also played for:
Surrey (County Cricket, as a Kolpak player)
Tshwane Spartans (Mzansi Super League)
Coaching Journey
Pakistan Bowling Coach – Briefly in 2023
India Bowling Coach – Appointed in August 2024
First major success: India winning the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
Morkel’s coaching style emphasizes pace, discipline, and adaptability across conditions. His appointment was seen as a strategic move to strengthen India’s pace battery.
Domestic and County Cricket
Started with Easterns (2003–04)
Played for Titans in South Africa’s domestic structure
Represented Yorkshire, Kent, and Surrey in England
Excelled in South Africa’s franchise and provincial circuits
Part of Rest of South Africa side before making his national debut
Personal Life
Morne Morkel is married to Australian sports journalist Roz Kelly. They got married in 2014 and have two sons.
He became a permanent resident of Australia in November 2020, which allowed him to play in the Big Bash League as a local player.
His older brother, Albie Morkel, is also a former South African international cricketer.