Why has India bowling coach Morne Morkel returned to South Africa amid Champions Trophy 2025?

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has rushed back to South Africa following a family emergency just ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.

The former South African pacer left Dubai on Monday, February 17, after receiving a heartbreaking news, just days before India's first match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Why has Morne Morkel left for South Africa?

As per India Today, Morne Morkel left for his native country after his father Albert Morkel's demise. The player got to know about that and rushed back to his home.

Morkel's sudden departure comes as a significant blow to the Indian team, which is already grappling with the absence of star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. The experienced coach was expected to play a crucial role in guiding India's bowling attack throughout the tournament. However, with personal priorities taking precedence, he has returned home to be with his family during this difficult time.

Morkel shared a deep bond with his father, as he had revealed in an earlier interview with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He fondly recalled how, upon landing the India coaching job, the first person he called 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 said after getting his India job.

Meanwhile, the Indian team is stationed in Dubai, where they will play all their matches in the Champions Trophy. India is set to face Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in the group-stage fixtures, starting their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20.