Team India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has returned to his native South Africa from Dubai due to a personal emergency. The reason however, is believed to be the passing of his father. The Champions Trophy is starting on Wednesday in Pakistan and UAE. India play their first game on Thursday against Bangladesh in Dubai, before a gigantic showdown against Pakistan on Sunday, November 23 and a third match against New Zealand on March 2. Morkel participated in practice match with team on Saturday Morne Morkel had arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday. He took part in a practice match with the team. However, on Monday, he was not present during the Indian team's practice session. Morkel became Team India bowling coach in August 2024 Morne Morkel played as an all-rounder for South Africa between 2006 and 2018. He became Team India' bowling coach on 14 August, 2024 on the recommendation of Head coach Gautam Gambhir who worked with him for two seasons (2022-23) at Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL as well as at Durban Super Giants in the SA20. He is part of a coaching team alongside Gambhir, assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate, and fielding coach T Dilip. Previously, Morkel also served as Pakistan's bowling coach. Morkel played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs and 44 T20Is during a 12-year international career in which he picked up 544 wickets. No official information on when he will rejoin
There is no information from BCCI yet on when Morkel will return to the India setup nor have they officially confirmed the reason for his departure.
India has been placed in Group-A with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. They will be play all of their matches in Dubai. The semifinals will be held on March 4 and 5. Meanwhile, the final will be played on March 9. India's squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 Reserves: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj, and Shivam Dube.Original Article