IPL 2023: LSG fast bowling coach Morne Morkel impressed with 'gem' Mohsin Khan

Kolkata, May 19: Former South Africa pacer and Lucknow Super Giants fast bowling coach Morne Morkel was full of praise for "gem of a cricket player" and "future of Indian cricket" Mohsin Khan.

Making his return from a year's layoff due to a serious injury that could have forced him to amputate his bowling arm if he was late for treatment, the UP pacer continued from where he left off last season.

Mohsin successfully defended 11 runs in the final over of Lucknow Super Giants' match against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday (May 16) to seal a dramatic five-run win that pushed his team into third position in the points table.

Morkel, who feels the uncapped India left-arm pacer should now look at making strides in his career, said he is excited that Mohsin is fit and back bowling in the IPL.

"For him, moving forward in his career is a big step. I'm just excited that he's fit now and available for selection.," Morkel said on the eve of LSG's final league match of the season against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Having bagged 14 wickets in nine matches with an economy rate of 5.97 in his debut IPL season in 2022, Mohsin suffered a serious shoulder injury with blood clots in his bowling shoulder.

Forget bowling, he was not able to lift his bowling arm following the surgery. After being ruled out of the initial phase, Mohsin played only his second game against MI and returned with figures of 1/26 from three overs.

Morkel was impressed with Mohsin's ability to step up in a league like the IPL despite having only a few training sessions and said he is one for the "future and should be looked after well".

"To come back without any cricket at all and with handful of training sessions, and then play the IPL where the margins are so small, to show that composure and calmness was pleasing," said Morkel, who is the bowling coach of LSG.

"I'm very impressed with Mohsin. He almost lost his arm due to the injury, being a year out of the game and coming back bowling an over like that has been inspirational.

"It's exciting not just for our franchise but for the Indian cricket. They have got a real gem of a cricket player and somebody they need to look after," Morkel said.

Mohsin had also revealed his father was admitted to the ICU for the last 10 days and was only discharged on Monday (May 15), a day before he produced a match-winning last over against MI. Morkel was full of praise for the pacer's character.

"It shows the character of person. He's got a very big heart, work ethics are right up there. Definitely he's one to look out for in future," Morkel said.

(With PTI inputs)