As Team India prepares for the first Test match against Sri Lanka, the team's bowling coach, Morné Morkel, has created headlines through his off-field activity. As an ex-fast bowler from South Africa,
he has been spotted in the latest promo video of Khatron Ke Khiladi 15 where he has added a sports flavor to the stunts on the show. In the promo video released in advance of the show that will premiere on August 1, 2026, Morkel can be seen alongside the host of the show, Rohit Shetty, participating in the "Darr Ka Naya Daur" theme in Cape Town, South Africa.
Morkel, who is currently India's bowling coach, said he enjoyed being part of the show in his home country. Sharing his experience, he said, “For years, I challenged the world’s best batsmen with my pace. Now, I’m bringing that same intensity as the new face of fear on Khatron Ke Khiladi. Working with Rohit Shetty right here in my home country, South Africa, has been an incredible experience."
India begin Sri Lanka Test series on August 15
While Morkel's recent stint on television has certainly stirred up some excitement, his primary focus will soon return to the cricket field. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have officially announced the schedule for India's tour of Sri Lanka in August 2026. The two teams are set to clash in a two-match Test series from August 15 to August 27, with both matches being part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. This series will kick off right after the conclusion of the Lanka Premier League, marking a crucial start for India’s next red-ball challenge.
🚨 News 🚨#TeamIndia's squad for the 2⃣-match Test Series against Sri Lanka announced Note: Washington Sundar was not available for selection for the first Test. More Details ▶️ https://t.co/Vk0Xd8Axmq #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/NuCcKBohMj
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 28, 2026
The first Test is slated to take place at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to August 19. Following that, the second and final Test will be held at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Cricket Ground in Colombo from August 23 to August 27. Both matches are set to start at 10:00 AM IST, which aligns with the local time as well. With two WTC matches at stake, this series holds significant weight for both teams as they aim to gain early momentum in the championship cycle.
For the moment, though, Morkel is enjoying a brief foray into the entertainment world. His participation in Khatron Ke Khiladi 15 gives fans a glimpse of a different side of the former fast bowler before he dives back into his coaching role with Team India.
