Morne Morkel will not be accompanying the Indian team to Sri Lanka. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Sairaj Bahutule, who is associated with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, as the interim bowling coach for the upcoming six-match white-ball series in Sri Lanka.
The decision to have Morkel as the bowling coach for the Indian Men's team was progressing smoothly. However, it has come to light that the former South African pacer is currently unable to join the squad in Sri Lanka due to personal reasons.
Bahutule, aged 51, will be joining the coaching staff led by Gautam Gambhir, as reported by Cricbuzz. The coaching team also includes Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches, with T Dilip continuing as the fielding coach from the previous administration under Rahul Dravid. All coaches, along with the players, are scheduled to depart for the island on Monday afternoon.
Bahutule, a former leg-spinning all-rounder, had a six-year international career from 1997 to 2003, playing two Tests and eight ODIs. His selection as part of the coaching staff is strategic, considering the significant role spin is expected to play in Sri Lanka. The BCCI had the option of choosing Troy Cooley, a bowling coach at the NCA, but the decision to include Bahutule was made after careful consideration, especially since both the T20I and ODI squads have three spinners each.
Meanwhile, Ryan ten Doeschate, who has been coaching the LA Knight Riders in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the US, is anticipated to join the squad in India. He is set to arrive in Mumbai in time to depart with the team on Monday afternoon. Prior to departure, Gambhir will be officially introduced as the new national coach by the BCCI and will address the media on Monday morning. The Indian team is scheduled to play three T20Is and three ODIs from July 27 to August 7.
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