IND vs BAN: Morne Morkel Joins Team India in Chennai as First Practice Session Kicks Off

The Indian cricket team has officially begun preparations for their upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh , with the first match set to begin on September 19 at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. In a significant boost to India's coaching setup, former South African pacer Morne Morkel has joined the squad as the newly appointed bowling coach.

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Morne Morkel joins Team India ahead of Bangladesh Tests

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared glimpses of the team’s first practice session on its social media platforms, highlighting Morne Morkel's arrival alongside head coach Gautam Gambhir . Senior players like Virat Kohli , Rohit Sharma , and Jasprit Bumrah were also present, gearing up for the crucial series.

Morne Morkel, who had missed India's recent tour of Sri Lanka due to family commitments, is no stranger to working with Gambhir, having been part of the coaching staff for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL . Now reunited with Gambhir, Morkel will be working closely with India's bowling unit, which is headlined by pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah . This will mark the first time Morkel collaborates with India's bowlers, as he looks to impart his vast experience from his playing days.

The Bangladesh series is pivotal for India, as it marks the beginning of a packed Test calendar. Following this series, India will host New Zealand before embarking on the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour in Australia. The calendar also includes a five-match Test series against England in the UK, with hopes of securing a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s next year.

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With Morne Morkel now integrated into the coaching setup, India's preparations for the Bangladesh series are in full swing. All eyes will be on how the team, under Gautam Gambhir 's leadership and Rohit Sharma 's captaincy, performs in the first Test at Chennai, setting the tone for an exciting Test season ahead.