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[Saba Sports News] Morne Morkel will not be traveling to Sri Lanka with the Indian team.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Sairaj Bahutule, associated with the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, as the interim bowling coach for the six-match white-ball series in Sri Lanka.
While Morkel’s role as the bowling coach for the Indian Men’s team is still on track, he is currently unavailable due to personal issues.
Morkel, who resides in Sydney, has traveled to Pretoria to attend to his unwell father. He may join the squad for the home series against Bangladesh, which includes two Tests and three T20Is, in September-October. “The Morkel deal is not final; talks are still ongoing. He may join later,” said a source.
Bahutule, 51, will join the Gautam Gambhir-led coaching staff, which includes Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches. T Dilip will continue as the fielding coach. The coaches and players will depart for Sri Lanka on Monday afternoon.
Bahutule, a former leg-spinning all-rounder, played two Tests and eight ODIs during his international career from 1997-2003. His appointment seems sensible given the significance of spin in Sri Lanka. The BCCI also considered Troy Cooley, a bowling coach at the NCA, but ultimately chose Bahutule due to the inclusion of three spinners in both the T20I and ODI squads.
Meanwhile, ten Doeschate, who has been with the LA Knight Riders in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the US, will join the squad in India. He is expected to arrive in Mumbai in time to depart with the team on Monday.
Before their departure, Gambhir will be unveiled by the BCCI as the new national coach and will address the media on Monday morning. The Indian team is set to play three T20Is and three ODIs from July 27 to August 7.