Morne Morkel rejoins Team India ahead of New Zealand clash
What's the story
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has returned to the team in Dubai after handling a personal emergency.
His return comes as India prepare for their final group-stage match against New Zealand in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy.
The former South African pacer had first joined the squad in Dubai on February 15 for this prestigious tournament but was absent from training on February 17.
Here are further details.
Coach's comeback
Morkel's brief absence and return
Morkel attended the team's afternoon practice session at the ICC Academy on February 16 but missed the next day's training due to personal reasons.
Meanwhile, he rejoined the team on Wednesday, wearing a white hoodie and black shorts.
This marks his return to active duty with Team India as they continue their campaign in the ongoing Champions Trophy.
Winning streak
Team India's performance in the tournament
Under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, Team India has been in sublime form in the tournament.
India have registered back-to-back six-wicket wins over Bangladesh and Pakistan respectively.
These dominating displays have confirmed their berth in the semifinals of the Champions Trophy.
The side is now gearing up for their last group-stage encounter against New Zealand on Sunday, March 02, with both teams having already qualified for the semifinals from Group A.
IND-BAN recap
All-round India beat Bangladesh in their Champions Trophy opener
Team India comprehensively beat Bangladesh by six wickets in the second match of the Champions Trophy.
The Men in Blue comfortably accomplished the 229-run target in Dubai thanks to a brilliant hundred from Shubman Gill.
Earlier in the game, Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 228/10 thanks to a record-breaking partnership between centurion Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami claimed a fifer, setting several records.
IND-PAK recap
India claim their third win over Pakistan in Champions Trophy
India hammered Pakistan in the Champions Trophy encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The Men in Blue successfully chased down 242 after they bowled out Pakistan.
India's win was powered by ton-up Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. Earlier, Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya shared five wickets to derail Pakistan.
Notably, India now have three wins against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy.