The Indian national cricket team is currently preparing for the five-match T20I series against England, starting on January 22 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Team India will also participate with England in a three-match ODI series after the T20I series to give both teams a dress rehearsal for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The upcoming white-ball series is expected to provide an excellent platform for some Indian players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to regain their form, while some will hone their skills to be in great touch for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set for 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 vice-captain Axar Patel opened up about the team’s approach to the home series. The Indian spin all-rounder emphasized that the Men in Blue are focused on implementing the strategies they intend to use in major ICC tournaments.
The Indian vice-captain said the upcoming T20I series is an opportunity to set a template for success, building on past achievements and addressing areas for improvement. Patel revealed that India’s aim is to improve its approach to do better in the upcoming ICC events.
We want early momentum: Axar Patel ahead of England T20I
Axar Patel said in a press conference as quoted by Revsportz: “For this series, our focus is to do what we want to do in the big tournaments. We want to run that template now. We want to get some momentum early on 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 comebacker Mohammed Shami, who is set to be seen in action for India after over a year. Shami was on hiatus due to an ankle injury that required surgery last year and then a long rehabilitation at the NCA in Bengaluru.
Mohammed Shami is preparing to return to India after a long break
The experienced Indian pacer was scheduled to return to India during the home Test series against New Zealand and then for the tour of Australia, but swelling in his left knee after playing in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy. and Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy 2024 -25 spoiled his comeback plans.
However, Mohammed Shami has now recovered enough to handle the workload of white-ball cricket, having been named in the T20I and ODI squads for the England series as well as the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
After his inclusion, the chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, said they hope Shami will reach his full fitness during the upcoming home series to clear all doubts for the 2025 Champions Trophy, as Jasprit Bumrah’s availability is already under dark clouds.
Shami’s return is very positive for us: Axar Patel
Well, Axar Patel has welcomed Mohammed Shami back to 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 where he left off in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Axar Patel signed off saying, “The return of Shami 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 at the World Cup.”
