India’s bowling coach Merne Morkel has reportedly returned to the team after the rest day and was part of the squad’s practice in Dubai on Wednesday.
The former South African fast bowler was forced to leave the camp a few days before the opening game against Bangladesh due to a family emergency back home. Reportedly, Morkel had a long chat with Gautam Gambhir while players were warming up at the ICC academy in Dubai right before the practice.
Only Shubman Gill was absent for the training. The reason for his absence is not known. The opening batter has performed remarkable in the tournament, scoring a century and then a follow-up of 46.
Rishabh Pant returned to the team after remaining ill and couldn’t attend training on the day leading before the match against Pakistan.
The Men in Blue had an entire week back home after their victory over Pakistan to prepare for their final group match against New Zealand, a contest that would not have much bearing upon them as both would have qualified for the semi-final by then.
The tournament finale looks to be one between India and New Zealand, assuming performances to date. The Kiwis led by Mitchell Santner have boasted very good performances against Pakistan and Bangladesh, with convincing wins against both teams and an apparently solid squad. India has their share of dominance too with wins over both Pakistan and Bangladesh too.
The result of this concluding game would decide which Group B side would be qualifying for the semi-final. Having qualified themselves, India would play all their matches in Dubai, which has attracted criticism from several former players including Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain.
India chose to play its games in Dubai after declining to travel to Pakistan due to the current political environment between the two countries. Pakistan, the designated hosts, crashed out of the tournament after succumbing to India and New Zealand in their two matches.
While Group A is nearly decided, Group B is still wide open, with all four teams having a chance to qualify for the knockout stage.
