Champions Trophy 2025: The Indian team is preparing for the Champions Trophy. But it has suffered a setback even before the start of India's matches. Bowling coach Morne Morkel has left Team India in Dubai and left for South Africa. Morne Morkel Returns to South Africa Leaves Indian Camp in Dubai.

Morne Morkel's father passed away and due to which he had to left for South Africa. Image: Socal Media-X.

Champions Trophy 2025: Team India is currently busy preparing for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, but an important news has come out before India's match. Indian team's bowling coach Morne Morkel has left for South Africa from Dubai. According to reports, he has returned due to a personal emergency in his family. Morne Morkel arrived in Dubai with the Indian team on 15 February. He was present in India during the ODI series and after reaching Dubai, he also participated in the team's practice session at the ICC Academy on February 16. However, he was not seen in the practice session held on Monday (February 17), while the rest of the team was fully present.

It is not clear when Morkel will rejoin the team and whether he will be available for the entire tournament. According to a national newspaper, he has gone to South Africa due to the death of his father. Morne Morkel's sudden departure from the team is definitely a big setback for India, especially for the fast bowling unit. However, Team India still has a strong army of players and they will leave no stone unturned in their preparations. There are challenges for the Indian team, but Team India led by captain Rohit Sharma wants to put in all their effort in the Champions Trophy 2025. Morne Morkel Returns to South Africa

Loss to the bowling unit
Morkel's absence is considered a setback for the Indian team, as the fast bowling department is already facing challenges. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, the fast bowling attack is considered weak. At the same time, Mohammed Shami is trying to get into rhythm after returning from injury, while young bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana do not have much experience in ODIs. In such a situation, Morkel's coaching was very important for the team.

Morne Morkel took over as the bowling coach of the Indian team in September 2024, when Gautam Gambhir was appointed as the head coach. Abhishek Nair and Ryan Ten Doeschate are also included in the support staff as assistant coaches, while T. Dilip is serving as the fielding coach. Recently, Sitashu Kotak was also added to the team as batting coach.

Relief on Rishabh Pant's injury
Meanwhile, a positive news for the team was that wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant reached the practice session without any kind of bandage on his left knee. On Sunday, he limped out during a net session due to a minor injury, raising concerns about his fitness. However, on Monday, he got off the team bus comfortably, interacted with fans and also gave autographs. However, he remained cautious during fielding practice and avoided taking high catches.

The Indian team has been given rest on February 18, while the players will once again join the practice session on February 19. After this, the team will start its campaign against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium on February 20. After this, it will face arch-rival Pakistan in a big match on February 23. At the same time, on March 2, India will play its last league match against New Zealand. If the Indian team makes it to the semi-finals, then this match will be played in Dubai on March 4.