ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Rishabh Pant, bowling coach Morne Morkel join camp ahead of IND vs NZ clash

Rishabh Pant is yet to play an ODI in 2025.

India have received a major boost with star wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant and bowling coach Morne Morkel rejoining the squad ahead of their final group-stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand in Dubai.

Having already qualified for the semi-finals of the tournament, India will play their last group-stage fixture against the Kiwis on Sunday, March 2.

The Indian wicket-keeper batter missed India’s training session before the Pakistan clash due to viral fever, while Morne Morkel returned to South Africa following the passing of his father, Albert.

India have made a strong start to their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, winning their first two games against Bangladesh and Pakistan. They are currently placed second in the Group A standings with four points.

Rishabh Pant and bowling coach Morne Morkel join India camp ahead of last group stage fixture against New Zealand

Despite Pant re-joining the squad, it is unlikely that he will feature in India’s playing XI in the tournament unless an unfortunate injury occurs to any batsman in the starting lineup.

Pant’s competitor for the wicket-keeper’s spot, KL Rahul, scored an unbeaten 41 off 47 balls, including one four and two sixes, to guide the team to victory from a difficult situation against Bangladesh.

Pant last featured in an ODI for India against Sri Lanka in 2024 at Colombo. However, his innings was a short one as he was dismissed for just six runs while chasing 248.

The Men in Blue will aim to win their final game against New Zealand and secure the top spot, which will give them the opportunity to face the second-placed team from Group B.

India’s pace attack led by Mohammed Shami and Harshit Rana, who have been exceptional in the tournament with a combined nine wickets, will receive a further boost with the return of Morne Morkel.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.