After dismal showing in five-Test series, skipper MS Dhoni aims for revival of fortunes as they kick of limited-overs campaign against England in the first ODI today at Bristol
Virat Kohli and his fellow batters in the nets ahead of the first ODI against England at Bristol. Pic/Bipin Patel
Bristol: Their morale battered by the Test series debacle, India would look to make a fresh beginning and salvage lost pride when they take on England in a five-match ODI cricket series starting here today.
Virat Kohli and his fellow batters in the nets ahead of the first ODI against England at Bristol. Pic/Bipin Patel
On one hand, the Indians will be distracted by the 1-3 series loss in the Test series prior and will want to do well in the ODIs, on the other, they will also need to balance their approach keeping next year's World Cup in mind.
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That tournament, to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand, is now just six months away. From here onwards, every ODI played by the Indian team will be a preparatory step towards defending their 2011 crown Down Under.
Already, the Indian selectors have taken stock of the situation at hand and the 17-man squad is a reflection of their thoughts.
Sanju Samson and Karn Sharma represent their line of thinking in that the squad will need an additional wicketkeeper as well as a probable third spin-bowling all-round option.
India skipper MS Dhoni hoped the change in format will certainly help reigning ODI champions India bounce back after the Test loss.
Success will come
"There is no need to remind anyone that we are World Champions. England are quite an intelligent side. Not to forget when we last came here, we won the Champions Trophy. We have had the success.
It's just that we have to stand up and take responsibility, back each other up. Those things will in turn take us forward," said Dhoni.
"Our preparation has been really good. Whatever days we got we have used them in the best possible way. The psyche also changes with the format," he added.
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