Image Source: BCCI
[Saba Sports News] After the current Sri Lankan series, the Indian squad will appoint a full-time bowling coach.
Reports indicate that Gautam Gambhir’s request has been granted by the BCCI, with the Bangladesh Test series potentially finalizing the appointment.
Sairaj Bahutule, currently serving as the interim bowling coach for the Sri Lanka tour, will conclude his duties post-series. T Dilip remains the fielding coach, while Ryan ten Doeschate and Abhishek Nayar assist Gambhir. Former South African pacer Morne Morkel is expected to be named the permanent bowling coach, having previously worked with Gambhir at KKR and LSG.
The anticipation isn’t just for the India vs. Sri Lanka matches but also for the strategic shifts in the coaching structure. According to reports, Morkel will start with the Test series against Bangladesh, with his official appointment likely before the home series in September.
The Indian team management and selectors will evaluate the current coaching setup during the ongoing white-ball series in Sri Lanka to finalize the new coaching lineup. The uncertainty surrounding Bahutule’s role adds intrigue. Since Morkel is not a spin bowling expert, India might still need a dedicated spin bowling coach.
Previously, under Rahul Dravid and Ravi Shastri, the team had three specialized assistants: a bowling coach, a fielding coach, and a batting coach. With Gambhir’s influence, the structure could see further specialization.
India has already secured the first two games of the current T20I series against Sri Lanka. The final T20I is on July 30 in Kandy, followed by a three-match ODI series in Colombo.