Dubai, UAE: India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, made his return to the squad in Dubai on Wednesday after briefly heading home due to a personal emergency. The former South African pacer had initially joined the team for the ICC Champions Trophy on February 15, but had to leave for a short period.

Morkel’s Absence and Return

Morkel, who was appointed as India’s bowling coach in September 2024, was last seen with the team during their practice session at the ICC Academy on February 16. However, he was noticeably absent the following day, February 17. His return on Wednesday was marked by his appearance stepping off the team bus, dressed in a white hoodie and black shorts, signaling his readiness to rejoin the team’s preparations.

India’s Strong Performance in the Tournament

India has been in exceptional form during the Champions Trophy, with back-to-back six-wicket victories over Bangladesh and arch-rivals Pakistan. Their strong performances have already secured them a spot in the semifinals. With the last group-stage match against New Zealand set for Sunday, Rohit Sharma’s men are determined to maintain their winning momentum heading into the knockout phase.

Semifinals Set: India and New Zealand Advance

Both India and New Zealand have already confirmed their places in the semifinals from Group A. This makes Sunday’s match between the two teams more about maintaining form than securing qualification.

As the tournament progresses, the return of Morkel adds an important boost to India’s bowling unit. His expertise and experience will be key as the team gears up for the final stretch of the competition.

With the squad in high spirits, all eyes will be on India’s performance in the upcoming match, as they aim to finish the group stage undefeated and continue their quest for the Champions Trophy title.