IND Need To Work On These Things Before CT: The Indian team has demonstrated its preparation for the Champions Trophy by clean sweeping England in the ODI series. India won this series in a one-sided manner and did not leave any chance for England in any match. It is difficult to raise any question on the Indian team regarding this series win. However, from the perspective of the Champions Trophy, the Indian team still needs to work on some things. The Indian team is going to leave for Dubai on 15 February. IND is going to play all its matches in Dubai itself. Let’s take a look at the three things on which the Indian team needs to work.
3. Improvement In Wicketkeeping
Even though head coach Gautam Gambhir is calling KL Rahul the first choice wicketkeeper, his keeping can cost the team heavily. In the series against England itself, Rahul was seen misfielding behind the wicket many times. Along with this, when it comes to taking a review, Rahul is not able to contribute properly for the team there too. On most occasions, the keeper’s opinion becomes very important for taking a review, but Rahul is proving to be a flop in this matter. From dropping catches behind the wicket to giving extra runs, Rahul did many such things, the consequences of which the Indian team may have to suffer in the Champions Trophy.
2. Batting After The Top-4
The top-4 of the Indian team is quite solid. A big innings can be expected from any of the first four batsmen. Batsmen up to number four have also shown consistency in their batting. However, the real concern for IND is the batting after that. If the top-4 flops, do the lower batsmen have the ability to handle the team? This will be the big question.
It has often been seen that when India’s top order falters, the entire team collapses under this pressure. Batsmen from number five to number seven will have to take responsibility and play long and fast innings according to the time and situation.
1. Taking Wickets With The New Ball
In the first two ODIs against England, India had to crave for wickets in the powerplay. However, after the arrival of Arshdeep Singh in the last ODI, India took two wickets in the powerplay. IND has selected three fast bowlers for the Champions Trophy. Out of these, Mohammed Shami and Harshit Rana have failed to take wickets with the new ball. Arshdeep has consistently taken wickets with the new ball, but one cannot depend on only one bowler. If IND is not successful in taking wickets with the new ball in the Champions Trophy, then difficulties may increase for them.
Winners are grinners 😃😃#TeamIndia #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/xNa72K5WAh
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 12, 2025