India’s inconsistent performance in the ongoing 2024-25 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has reportedly put bowling coach Morne Morkel and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate under serious scrutiny. According to a report by The Telegraph, the BCCI is “hell-bent” on removing both coaches after the Asia Cup in September, irrespective of how India fares in the remaining Tests against England.
The board is reportedly dissatisfied with Morkel’s impact on the bowling unit, feeling that the South African hasn’t helped improve any of the current bowlers. Doeschate’s role is also under question, especially after he stepped in as stand-in coach during Gautam Gambhir’s brief absence earlier in the series.
Gambhir’s Picks Under Fire
When Gautam Gambhir was appointed head coach in 2024, he had specifically requested the inclusion of Morkel, ten Doeschate, and Mumbai-based Abhishek Nayar in his support staff. All three had worked with Gambhir during his stints in the IPL—Morkel with Lucknow Super Giants, and Nayar and ten Doeschate with Kolkata Knight Riders.
However, Nayar was let go after India’s home defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year. Now, his two remaining appointments are also in the BCCI’s firing line, especially after India’s record of just four wins in 13 Tests under the current coaching setup.
Despite the scrutiny, the BCCI is reportedly keen to give Gambhir a longer rope, avoiding major upheaval while the team is still transitioning with several new faces.
Selection Decisions Also Under the Scanner
The report further claims that chief selector Ajit Agarkar and selector Shiv Sundar Das, currently with the team in England, are also being closely watched. Disagreements between the team management and selectors over certain squad decisions—most notably the continued exclusion of spinner Kuldeep Yadav—have fueled concerns.
Kuldeep, regarded as a match-winner, has been benched throughout the England series so far. The team has opted for additional batting depth and all-round options instead.
With the Asia Cup and a home series against the West Indies approaching, the BCCI could be set for significant changes behind the scenes.
