India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has returned to South Africa due to a family emergency, reliable sources confirmed on Tuesday. Morkel, who had joined the Indian team in September last year, was present in Dubai on Saturday when the team arrived and even attended the first practice session ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to begin on Wednesday.
However, the 40-year-old former South African pacer was absent from the Indian team’s second practice session on Monday, sparking speculation about his sudden departure.
Impact on India’s Bowling Attack for the ICC Tournament
This development comes just as India gears up for their first match of the tournament against Bangladesh, scheduled for Thursday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With Morkel’s departure, the Indian team will need to adjust, but the bowling attack will still have a mix of experienced pacers and one fast-bowling all-rounder in Hardik Pandya.
India’s pace department had already faced a setback earlier when pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to a lower back injury. Bumrah’s absence has placed additional responsibility on Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Mohammed Shami to lead the fast-bowling attack, with Pandya serving as the fourth option.
Hybrid Model for ICC Tournament Matches in Dubai
Although Pakistan is the official host of the ICC Champions Trophy, all of India’s matches are scheduled to take place in Dubai, following the hybrid model agreed upon by the relevant stakeholders. This includes the much-anticipated match between India and Pakistan, which is scheduled for Sunday.
The tournament’s first semifinal will take place in Dubai on March 4, with the final, should India qualify, also set to be held in Dubai on March 9.
