New Delhi: In a minor blow to India’s ICC Champions Trophy preparations, bowling coach Morne Morkel has left the team camp in Dubai for his home in South Africa due to a family emergency. Morkel, who took the post in September last year, had travelled to Dubai with the Indian team on Saturday. He also attended the team’s first practice session ahead of the 8-team marquee ICC tournament beginning on Wednesday in Karachi.
The 40-year-old former South African fast bowler, however, was not present for the Indian team’s second practice session on Monday, according to a report in PTI.
The Indian team, training currently in the UAE for their Champions Trophy campaign, was struck by grief after learning about the tragic news, as per a report in Dainik Jagran.
The report further revealed that Morkel left Dubai for South Africa on Monday. It is still unclear when he will return to Dubai to rejoin the Indian camp.
The Champions Trophy kicks off on Wednesday with the blockbuster clash between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi’s National Stadium. Meanwhile, India will open their campaign on February 20, Thursday against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium.
India’s pace bowling options
The Indian bowling attack for CT 2025 comprises three specialist pacers – Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana and one fast-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
Star speedster Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the tournament due to a lower back injury, leaving India severely depleted in the bowling department. While Shami’s return from injury is a positive, it will be interesting to see the amount of burden he can take in testing conditions.
While Pakistan is the host nation of the tournament, India will play all their matches in Dubai as per the hybrid model agreed by the stakeholders.
The high-octane match between India and Pakistan will take place on February 23, Sunday.
The first semifinal will be played in Dubai on March 4, while the final, in case of India’s qualification, will also be held in Dubai on March 9.
Morne Morkel returns home: The Indian cricket team, preparing in the UAE for their Champions Trophy campaign, was struck by grief after learning about the tragic news. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
