India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has reportedly returned back to his home in South Africa after the death of his father. The Indian Team is currently in Dubai for Champions Trophy which is starting from February 19 with India’s first match against Bangladesh on February 20 at Dubai International Stadium.
According to Dainik Jagran, the Indian squad was shaken by the sad news as the preparations of Champions Trophy were in full swing in Dubai. Morkel, who had attended the team’s first training session at the ICC Academy on Sunday, was absent from the second practice session. He flew back to South Africa on Monday, though it remains unclear when he will return to the team.
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The sudden departure of Morkel will be an added pressure on the coaching staff especially when India’s pace attack is quite weak in absence of Jasprit Bumrah. According to the Times of India, after two days of intense practice at the ICC academy, Team India has taken an off on Tuesday and will resume training on Wednesday.
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India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh are placed in Group A for the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19 with the first match between Pakistan and New Zealand. India’s opening match of Champions Trophy is on February 20 against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium, while the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match is on February 23. It is important to note that all of India’s matches will be held in Dubai.
