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Indian cricketers during a practice session ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Pakan, in Dubai, UAE, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (PTI Photo)
ICC Champions Trophy: Kohli against spin, countering sluggish surface, middle-overs gameplan the focus as India prepare to take on Pakan
India’s cricket team, fresh from a dominant victory over Bangladesh, displayed a focused and purposeful approach during their training session ahead of the highly anticipated Champions Trophy clash against Pakan on Sunday. Despite the inherent drama surrounding India-Pakan matches, the Indian squad remained remarkably composed, prioritizing internal improvements over external hype.
Following a rest day on Friday, players arrived at the ICC Academy ground an hour before their scheduled 1 PM training, showcasing their dedication. The team’s demeanor suggested a clear understanding of the task at hand, with no overt emphasis on the match’s special significance. Instead, the focus was on refining their performance, acknowledging that while the win against Bangladesh was convincing, further adjustments were needed to replicate their 2023 World Cup form.
The conditions in Dubai, characterized slow pitches and increased spin, have become a focal point for India’s preparations. The team is particularly concentrating on their batting against spinners and their middle-overs strategy. The memory of their World Cup final loss on a similar slow surface in Ahmedabad serves as a reminder of the importance of adapting to these conditions. With rising temperatures in Dubai, spin is expected to play a crucial role as the tournament progresses.
