Haravindh V
Former South African cricketer and CSK legend, Albie Morkel shared stories of playing under MSD, and what it meant to represent South Africa on the chat show “Championz Online with Suhaas Vedham” on Sportz O’ Clock.
In conversation with sports commentator & presenter Suhaas Vedham, Albie revealed that he had ‘fan boy moments’ during the initial days with the senior team.
“You are actually more nervous being around those guys than actually playing the game. As a young cricketer it’s your first biggest challenge. The second thing that you worry about is actually playing” “That’s how I experienced it”
At 22 as he debuted for a touring South Africa against New Zealand in Wellington, Albie soon learnt that international cricket was a very tough place to compete in. “I remember I had a very good domestic season back home as a young player, but to play international cricket, it’s a different beast”
Currently the coach of the Namibian cricket side, Albie Morkel went on to discuss the names of a few Namibian players to watch out for in the upcoming T20 World cup if and when it happens. Albie Morkel, who retired from all forms of cricket in January 2019, reminisced the time he saw AB De Villiers bat for the first time in the nets. Furthermore, Albie termed ABD , an “X factor player” and said that playing international cricket for South Africa was always going to be ABD’s path.
On Albie’s Family :
Albie Morkel expressed that he hails from a ‘cricket mad house’, with his father having played first class cricket, and his elder brother Malan also having been involved in the game.
Talking about his younger brother Morne-an international bowler of repute, Albie revealed a funny incident between Morne and the coach when the former started out with a small contract.
Calling Morne, a ‘Gentle Giant’ , Albie went on a lighter note, revealed that Morne was the most pampered in the family. “He was the youngest child, my mother’s favourite”
On Playing for CSK and Relationship with MSD:
Out of all franchises he played for , Albie Morkel spent the most time at CSK, winning the IPL twice and the Champions league once.
“So that’s obviously going to be the team that I still support and I enjoyed playing the most out of all” “so definitely playing for CSK was special” he mentions.
During his six yearswith CSK, Morkel remained a regular feature in the playing eleven. Herein bloomed a special bond- the one with captain MS Dhoni.
Albie Morkel Says “He (Dhoni) knows how to get the best out of his players. He doesn’t treat every player the same. He has got this ability to interact with every player in a unique way according to his personality. So I think it’s a big strength”
Albie revealed what MSD usually said in the huddle during crunch moments and how Dhoni’s plan worked to get rid of Pollard in the final of IPL 2010.
Albie went on to praise Dhoni to be a captain who leads by example. On being asked to describe captain cool in one word , Albie Morkel replied ‘magician’.
Playing the rapid fire with the host Suhaas Vedham, Albie Morkel stated that his most satisfying innings wold be the one playing for CSK where he scored 28 runs in 6 balls against Virat Kohli in 2012. The innings made him a legend indeed, in IPL folklore.
A splendid all rounder for South Africa, an emotion among CSK fans, Albie Morkel signs off by thanking Sportz O’clock for the opportunity to be on the show and wished luck the warriors fighting the virus . Albie Morkel says with a smile that he hopes he can still ‘get out there and entertain’ his fans.
Watch the full interview here :
Championz Online with Suhaas Vedham| Interview
(Haravindh is a sports enthusiast, currently pursuing BBA from Birla institute of technology)
