Mumbai, India: Amidst turbulent times for Indian cricket in the Test format, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly gearing up to dismiss Morne Morkel and Ryan ten Doeschate from their roles as support staff after the ongoing Asia Cup. This move is in response to the Indian team’s consistent underperformance in Test matches over the recent seasons and dissatisfaction with the contributions of the coaching setup.
The decision comes on the heels of a series of poor results in the Test arena, including a humiliating 0-3 home whitewash against New Zealand and a 1-3 defeat in the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia. The current Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 has offered little respite from recurring woes, further compounding the BCCI’s frustration with the coaching staff, particularly Morkel and ten Doeschate.
Key Factors Driving the Decision
Morne Morkel, a former South African pacer, was appointed to strengthen the Indian bowling unit, particularly in the arena of Test cricket. However, reports suggest that his contributions have failed to meet the expectations of both the BCCI and the wider cricketing fraternity. A pivotal point that seemingly influenced the BCCI’s stance was Morkel’s input in selecting debutant Anshul Kamboj over Prasidh Krishna during the Manchester Test. Kamboj’s fitness concerns adversely affected his bowling speed and effectiveness, significantly impacting India’s performance in that match.
This decision has not only drawn criticism from fans and analysts but also highlighted a disconnect within the team’s strategic planning under Morkel’s guidance. The lack of visible improvement in the performance of India’s bowling unit in key Test matches has left stakeholders questioning Morkel’s influence and calling for change.
Similarly, Ryan ten Doeschate, a former Dutch cricketer and renowned T20 player, finds himself under scrutiny for his role and contributions to the Indian team setup. Ten Doeschate has a history with Indian cricket, having been a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) both as a player and as a fielding coach. Despite his experience, critics argue that his addition to the Indian team’s support staff has not translated into tangible improvements on the field, prompting the BCCI to reevaluate his position.
The Broader Picture
While Morkel and ten Doeschate appear to be facing the axe, other members of the Indian cricket team’s support system are also under evaluation. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and panel member Shiv Sundar Das are reportedly facing pressure to justify their selections amidst India’s declining performances in the longest format of the game. However, Gautam Gambhir, the Indian head coach, is expected to hold on to his role for the time being. The BCCI seems inclined to retain Gambhir as it seeks to provide some degree of continuity during what has been labeled a transitional phase for the Indian team.
The BCCI is aware that abrupt changes in leadership can add to the instability of an already faltering setup. Nevertheless, the reported moves against Morkel and ten Doeschate signify the Board’s intention to rebuild with a sharper focus on performance and accountability.
Fan Reaction and Expectations
Recent Test series losses have tested the patience of fans and former players alike. The decision to integrate new talents into the Test squad has not been without contention, and the team’s inability to build consistent match-winning combinations has only added fuel to the fire. With expectations mounting, the BCCI’s potential sacking of Morkel and ten Doeschate underscores a demand for results-oriented leadership within the support staff.
As fans await official announcements about BCCI’s plans post-Asia Cup, the decision to potentially part ways with Morne Morkel and Ryan ten Doeschate serves as a reminder of the high stakes in Indian cricket and the need for adaptability in a fiercely competitive environment.
About BCCI
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is the national governing body for cricket in India. Established in 1928, the BCCI oversees all aspects of cricket in the country, from grassroots development to international representation. As one of the wealthiest and most influential organizations in world cricket, the BCCI plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the game while striving to maintain India’s dominance on the global cricketing stage.
