Team India is all geared up to kickoff their Champions Trophy season on February 20 in Dubai. In a match against Bangladesh, the playing XI is led by Rohit Sharma but key player Jasprit Bumrah sits this one out due to a lower back injury. Amidst this, bowling coach Morne Morkel left Dubai to fly back to India.
This comes as a big blow to the Indian cricket team as the veteran fast bowler had to return to India as his father, Albert passed away. He had been missing from practice sessions since February 17 but it is still not clear if Morkel will return to join Team India for the tournament.
Morne Morkel has had significant impact on building Team India’s bowling attack. He has also coached the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2022 and 2023. Playing alongside Gautam Gambhir, he played as a key player in Kolkata Knight Riders from 2014-2016. He also briefly served as a bowling coach for Pakistan’s team in 2023.
The injury crisis has posed a major challenge for not just India but the teams of Australia, Afghanistan, New Zealand and Pakistan as they face these last-minute concerns.
India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Squad
Preparing to face Bangladesh in the second match of the championship, India focusses on the pace-bowlers after Jasprit Bumrah’s injury. Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami has returned after injury whereas Arshdeep Singh has found a place in the side as well. The other fast-bowling option is all-rounder Hardik Pandya. A heavy-spin squad with all-rounders like Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Jadeja and Varun Chakravarthy has been the selector’s choice for assuring a win in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Morne Morkel’s absence is a significant setback for Team India as they begin their Champions Trophy campaign. His expertise in building a strong bowling attack has been crucial, and his departure could impact India’s performance. With uncertainty surrounding his return, the team must quickly adapt to this challenge and strategize accordingly.