February 18th 2025.
In a recent turn of events, it has been reported that Morne Morkel, India's bowling coach, has left for his home country of South Africa due to a family emergency. According to reliable sources, Morkel, who took on the coaching role in September last year, had initially joined the Indian team in Dubai on Saturday and even attended their first practice session for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
However, he was noticeably absent from the team's second practice session on Monday. This news comes at a crucial time as the Indian team is gearing up to kick off their campaign with a match against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
India's bowling attack for the ICC tournament consists of specialized pacers and one fast-bowling all-rounder, Hardik Pandya. Unfortunately, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah had to withdraw from the event due to a lower back injury, placing the responsibility of leading the fast-bowling unit on the shoulders of Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Mohammed Shami, with Pandya as the fourth option.
While Pakistan is the host nation for the tournament, India will be playing all their matches in Dubai as per the hybrid model agreed upon by the concerned stakeholders. Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the match between India and Pakistan, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday. The first semifinal will be held in Dubai on March 4, and if India qualifies, the final will also be played in Dubai on March 9.
The unexpected absence of Morkel has surely left a void in the Indian team, but they are determined to give their best performance in the upcoming matches. Our thoughts and prayers are with Morkel and his family during this difficult time.
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