India, Feb. 18 -- India bowling coach Morne Morkel reportedly returned home from Dubai on Monday ahead of the start of the Champions Trophy due to his father's demise. The Indian team is currently in the UAE for their Champions Trophy campaign. The tournament will begin on Wednesday, with host nation Pakistan taking on New Zealand. India will play their first match on Thursday against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium.

According to a report in Dainik Jagran, the Indian team in Dubai was struck by grief during their preparations for the ICC tournament. Morkel's father passed away. The former South African international attended India's first training session on Sunday at the ICC Academy but was not seen on the second day of pr...