Revealed: Why Morne Morkel left team India suddenly during ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

India suffered an early setback ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy as bowling coach Morne Morkel had to leave the team's camp in Dubai due to a personal emergency. Morkel had arrived with the squad on February 15 but departed just days before India's opening match, as per the latest reports.

Morkel attended the afternoon practice session at the ICC Academy on February 16. However, he was notably absent from the Rohit Sharma-led team's first session under lights on February 17. The entire contingent was present except for the bowling coach during the team's practice session on Monday.

Morne Morkel Returns to South Africa Due to Personal Emergency - Report

According to a report in Times of India on Monday night, Morne Morkel has returned to South Africa due to a personal emergency. Dainik Jagran reported that his father's demise was the reason for his departure. There is no clarity on when or if he will rejoin the Indian squad during the Champions Trophy.

Morkel became the bowling coach in September last year, following Gautam Gambhir's appointment as head coach. He joined a support staff featuring Abhishek Nayar and Ryan Ten Doeschate as assistant coaches and T Dilip as the fielding coach. Sitanshu Kotak recently joined the team as the batting coach.

Morne Morkel's Absence Adds to India's Fast Bowling Concerns

Morne Morkel's absence is a setback for India, especially with Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to a lower back injury. Mohammed Shami, returning from a 14-month injury layoff, is still regaining form, while young pacers Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana have limited ODI experience, with just 12 matches between them.

Hardik Pandya remains the only other fast-bowling option. India have opted for a spin-heavy squad for the Dubai conditions, with Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav leading the spin unit, along with Washington Sundar. The selectors also replaced Yashasvi Jaiswal with mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy.

Team India Set to Kick Off ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Campaign on February 20

The Champions Trophy will return to the cricket calendar after an eight-year hiatus. A total of eight teams will play at multiple venues, including Dubai, Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Defending champions Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the opener in Karachi on February 19.

India will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India refused to travel to Pakistan, the official host nation, due to political tensions.

A highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan will be played on February 23. The Rohit Sharma-led team will play their final Group A match against New Zealand on March 2. Semifinal 1 will be played on March 4 in Dubai, and the final will take place at the same venue on March 9.

Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Mohammad Amir all but confirms Haris Rauf won’t play CT