The India National Cricket Team is currently gearing up for the five-match T20I series against England, starting on January 22 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Team India will also engage with England in the three-match ODI series after the T20I series to provide a dress rehearsal for both teams for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The upcoming white-ball series is expected to offer a great platform for some Indian players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to regain their form while some would hone their skills to be in great touch for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to be held in Pakistan from February 19 and Dubai, UAE.
Axar Patel reveals India’s focus on building winning strategies for ICC tournaments
Ahead of the five-match T20I series against England, India’s vice-captain, Axar Patel has opened up about the team’s approach for the home series. The Indian spin all-rounder has emphasized that the Men in Blue are focused on implementing strategies they aim to use in the major ICC tournaments.
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The Indian vice-captain said that the upcoming T20I series is an opportunity to set a template for success, building on past achievements and addressing areas for improvement. Patel has revealed that India’s goal is to refine its approach to perform better in the upcoming ICC events.
We want to gain early momentum: Axar Patel ahead of England T20Is
Axar Patel said at the press conference as quoted by Revsportz: “For this series, our focus is to do what we want to do in major tournaments. We want to start that template now. We want to gain early momentum in trying to do what we want to do in tournaments, what has brought us success, and what we want to do better.”
Meanwhile, Axar Patel also spoke highly of the comeback man Mohammed Shami, who is set to be seen in action for India after more than one year. Shami was sidelined due to an ankle injury that required surgery last year and then lengthy rehab at the NCA in Bengaluru.
Mohammed Shami gearing up for India comeback after long hiatus
The seasoned Indian pacer was set to make his India comeback during the home Test series against New Zealand and then for the Australia tour, but swelling on his left knee after he played in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 and the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy 2024-25 ruined his comeback plans.
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However, Mohammed Shami has now recovered enough to bear the workload of white-ball cricket, as he was named in both the T20I and ODI squads for the England series, as well as for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
After his inclusion, the chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, said that they are hoping Shami will attain his full fitness during the upcoming home series to clear all doubts for the Champions Trophy 2025, as Jasprit Bumrah’s availability is already under dark clouds.
Shami returning is very positive for us: Axar Patel
Well, Axar Patel welcomed Mohammed Shami back into the Indian cricket team, saying it is a significant boost for the team ahead of the prestigious tournament. The vice-captain also highlighted Shami’s skills with the new ball and at the death and hopes the pacer will continue his dominance from where he left off in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Axar Patel signed off by saying, “Shami returning is very positive. He was very good in the Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare Trophies. We know what he brings with the new ball and death. It’s a really good sign for us, and we hope he continues what he did in the World Cup.”
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