India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, has reportedly returned to South Africa from Dubai following the passing of his father. The Indian team are in the UAE preparing for the upcoming Champions Trophy was struck by this unfortunate news.
As per a report from Dainik Jagran, Morkel was present during India's initial training session at the ICC Academy on Sunday but was absent the following day. He is said to have departed for South Africa on Monday. It remains uncertain when he will rejoin the squad.
Morkel's absence adds to the challenges faced by the Indian coaching staff, especially with the team already missing key pacer Jasprit Bumrah due to injury. The pace attack will now depend heavily on seasoned bowler Mohammed Shami, who recently gained valuable match practice in the white-ball series against England.
Meanwhile, the spin department will be led by the experienced trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav.
Team India's Champions Trophy Schedule
India’s campaign will kick off against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium. on Thursday, February 20. The high-voltage match between India and Pakistan is scheduled to take place in Dubai on Sunday (February 23), and in its third Group A match, India will face New Zealand at the same venue on March 2.
The first semifinal will be played in Dubai on March 4, and the final, if India qualifies for it, will also take place at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9. India will not playing matches in Pakistan due to political tensions between both the countries.
In addition to Dubai, Karachi, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi will also host the Champions Trophy matches, which will be played between eight teams.
