India Bowling Coach Morne Morkel Leaves Champions Trophy 2025 Midway – Here’s Why

India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has left for South Africa in the middle of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The former South African fast bowler received heartbreaking news just days before India’s first match.

Why Did Morne Morkel Leave?

As per India Today, Morkel left Dubai on Monday, February 17, after the passing of his father, Albert Morkel. Upon receiving the news, he immediately rushed back to his home country to be with his family.

Morkel’s absence is a big setback for Team India, which is already struggling with the loss of key fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah due to injury. His experience was expected to help guide India’s bowling attack in the tournament. However, personal priorities have taken precedence, and he has chosen to be with his family during this difficult time.

Morne Morkel’s Bond with His Father

Morne Morkel shared a special bond with his father. In an earlier interview with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), he revealed that the first person he called after getting the India coaching job was his father.

“When I ended the call, I sat for about five minutes in the room reflecting on it and then I first phoned my dad. He spoke to me, I didn’t even go to my wife. You know, normally they say go to your wife first, but I spoke to my dad… knowing what was going to come up, this was quite a special moment for me,” Morkel had said.

India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule

The Indian team is currently in Dubai, where they will play all their group-stage matches. India is placed in a tough group, alongside:

• Bangladesh
• Pakistan
• New Zealand

India will begin their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh on February 20. The team will now have to manage its bowling attack without Morkel’s guidance.