2017 ICC Champions Trophy: India-Pakistan is ‘Just Another Game’, Says Ajinkya Rahane
Nov 2, 2023 at 3:51 PM
Ajinkya Rahane has stated that the Indian team is completely ready for the upcoming Champions Trophy title defence campaign. The middle order batsman also conceded that this particular edition will be very challenging as all the eight participating teams are entering with a balanced combination of high-quality players.
“It (Champions Trophy) will be a great challenge. Each and every team has a great combination but if we can play to our potential, I am sure we will do well,” Rahane told BCCI.TV after team’s practice session at the Lord’s ground on Saturday.
The Indian team will start their Champions Trophy preparation today when they play against New Zealand at the Kennington Oval in the first practice game. The defending champion will be without all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and opener Rohit Sharma for the upcoming match.
Yuvraj Singh is currently recovering from a viral fever which he contracted shortly after arriving in England. The team management will give a final word on his fitness before the start of the match.
Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, will be missing due to a personal reason as he will be attending a wedding. This has delayed his arrival to England.
Team India have two practice games scheduled- both at the same venue, Kennington Oval. After the game against New Zealand, the Men in Blue will then face Bangladesh in the second practice match.
As Rahane mentioned, India will likely face stiff competition. It is placed in the Group B along with Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South Africa. All three opponents are worth the competition and can hamper India’s chances it making it to the semi-finals.
India will kick-start the campaign with the much – awaited clash against Pakistan at Edgbaston. The game is expected to be a blockbuster as the two team will be meeting directly at this grand stage having last played against each other in the Asia Cup 2016.
While Indian skipper Virat Kohli has termed the game as ‘just another game’, the Pakistanis are upbeat and have declared that they will be putting their best foot forward on the match day in order to get off to a winning start.