The Champions Trophy is just around the corner, and Team India has already arrived in Dubai, eager to kick off their campaign. With the tournament scheduled to start on February 19, the team is wasting no time in preparing for the big event. As it happens, all of India’s matches will be played in Dubai, including the highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on February 23. But before that, they’ll face off against Bangladesh on February 20.
Getting Down to Business
The Indian team has been practicing fiercely at the ICC Academy’s ground, with each player giving it their all. Mohammed Shami, in particular, spent a significant amount of time with bowling coach Morney Morkel, perfecting his technique. The rest of the team, from captain Rohit Sharma to young Harshit Rana, was also seen putting in the effort, with no one taking it easy. And why would they? With the BCCI’s new guidelines in place, there’s no room for complacency. As Shami, who’s making his return to international cricket, was seen wearing a stretched cap on his knee, it was clear that everyone was taking this tournament very seriously.
Shami began with a short run-up, getting a feel for the pitch before the batsmen arrived for practice. He was later seen adjusting his line and length with Morkel, and once the batsmen were ready, he bowled with intensity. The question on everyone’s mind, of course, is: will this practice pay off when it matters most?
A Glimpse of What’s to Come
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer were facing off against Kuldeep Yadav and the other spinners. But it was Rishabh Pant who caught everyone’s attention when he was hit on the knee by a powerful shot from Pandya. The poor guy groaned in pain, but thankfully, physio Kamlesh Jain was on hand to provide immediate treatment. Although Pant was initially in discomfort, his injury wasn’t serious, and he was soon back to practicing with a pad on. It’s moments like these that remind us of the risks these players take every time they step onto the field. As for the rest of the team, Virat Kohli looked focused, while Rohit seemed to be in a good mood – a great sign for things to come.
As the team continues to prepare for the tournament, one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be an exciting few weeks of cricket. Will Team India be able to bring home the trophy? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – they’re definitely giving it their all. With fielding coach T Dilip putting the likes of Harshit Rana, Varun Chakraborty, and Rishabh Pant through their paces, it’s clear that the team is leaving no stone unturned in their quest for glory.
A recent tweet from the BCCI showed the team in high spirits, and another update gave fans a glimpse into their practice sessions. As the tournament draws near, the excitement is palpable. Let’s see what the Champions Trophy has in store for us!