2 players from the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy are transitioning to coaching roles in 2025. One will oversee the bowling department, focusing on injury management and strengthening depth, while the other will work on enhancing the team’s spin attack, emphasizing strategic bowling and nurturing emerging talent.
1. Morne Morkel
Morne Morkel, former South African fast bowler, now serves as the bowling coach for the Indian cricket team. Known for his pace and bounce during the 2017 Champions Trophy, Morkel’s transition into coaching has faced scrutiny, especially amid recent inconsistencies in India’s bowling attack. With key bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami struggling with injuries, Morkel’s role has become more challenging. As the upcoming Champions Trophy approaches, his main task will be managing the fitness of these key players and ensuring a strong backup plan. Drawing on his player experience and understanding of Indian conditions, Morkel’s focus will likely be on resilience, adaptability, and injury prevention, providing him with a pivotal opportunity to solidify his legacy as a coach.
2. Jeetan Patel
Jeetan Patel, known for his off-spin during the 2017 Champions Trophy with New Zealand, has transitioned to a successful coaching career, currently serving as England’s spin-bowling coach. His expertise in spin, paired with his understanding of the game’s subtleties, has been key in refining England’s spin attack. Under head coach Brendon McCullum, Patel’s focus is to elevate the role of spinners, traditionally overshadowed by England’s pace bowlers. His key player, Adil Rashid, is a seasoned leg-spinner, but Patel is also focused on developing emerging talent like Jacob Bethell. His coaching philosophy emphasizes strategic bowling, adapting to pitch conditions, and shaping spinners into match-winners. Drawing on his playing experience, particularly in subcontinental conditions, Patel aims to make England’s spin attack a more formidable force, especially in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
The Challenges Ahead
For Morkel and Patel, the 2025 Champions Trophy is a defining moment in their coaching careers. Morkel faces the challenge of managing injuries and ensuring key players like Bumrah and Shami return in top form. Meanwhile, Patel must balance nurturing young talent with maintaining England’s competitive spin attack alongside their renowned pace bowlers.
