Dubai:The initial attendance at the Pakistan-New Zealand Champions Trophy opener in Karachi on Wednesday prompted former England captain Michael Vaughan to question whether the local populace was aware that a match was taking place. However, this issue is unlikely to arise when India faces Bangladesh in their opening match, located 1,187 kilometres away in Dubai.

The majority of the crowd is expected to be clad in blue, although Bangladesh will, as always, enjoy robust support from their dedicated fan base. Despite perceptions of a lopsided contest, Bangladesh has recently posed significant challenges to India, which should serve as a cautionary note for a team without Jasprit Bumrah, urging them to remain vigilant.

The Champions Trophy features a condensed format akin to a knockout stage. India will be competing in Dubai, a venue where they faced two defeats four years ago, leading to their early exit from the T20 World Cup.

“In the ODI World Cup, you have the opportunity to play ten matches. Therefore, even if you lose a few, there remains a chance for recovery,” remarked India captain Rohit Sharma during a press conference prior to the match. “In T20 and the Champions Trophy, losing even one match heightens the pressure. However, I prefer not to overanalyze and become overly anxious. Let the game commence, and we will assess the situation then.”

Bangladesh has triumphed over India in an ICC event only once, during the 2007 ODI World Cup, a defeat that significantly impacted India and led to their elimination in the group stage.

“It has been nearly eight years since this tournament last occurred in 2017,” he stated regarding the significance of the Champions Trophy. “Nonetheless, every ICC title holds importance. While we aspire to lift the trophy, numerous factors must align correctly before achieving that goal. Our focus will be on taking one match at a time and progressing steadily.”

India possesses considerable strength, and their recent ODI series victory against England has alleviated several of their concerns. Their two most seasoned batsmen, Rohit and Virat Kohli, have also begun to find form.

Rohit, Kohli factor

Rohit required the century he achieved in Cuttack, not only as a player but also in his role as captain. His innate ability for management has consistently been one of his significant strengths in leadership. However, this vital aspect of his captaincy seemed to be impacted by his batting difficulties experienced in Australia.

Kohli's challenges are of a different nature. While he has not completely lost his ability to score runs, he appears confident at the crease, engaging in both aggressive and defensive play, as well as interacting with opponents. Nevertheless, he struggles to access his top form when confronted with uncertainty, which has escalated into a concerning issue.

The silver lining is that addressing such technical flaws in One Day International cricket is somewhat more manageable. Not every bowler can maintain precise lines outside off-stump consistently. A slight miscalculation in length can provide Kohli with an opportunity to relieve pressure with a shot to third man. If the bowling lacks intensity, he will find a way to execute a drive. Despite frequently being dismissed outside the off-stump, the drive remains Kohli's most effective shot.

The Champions Trophy may present another test of endurance for Kohli—a distinguished batsman grappling with his internal struggles; at times overcoming them, yet occasionally succumbing, all while maintaining his determination. The journey has been challenging, but Kohli aspires to assert his dominance in another global tournament. Achieving this would bring immense joy to both him and India.

Fielding drills

On the eve of the match, the Indian team engaged in catching drills under the stadium lights, primarily to acclimatize to the LED illumination of the Dubai International Stadium, which has gained a reputation for causing catching errors. The bowlers participated in a light training session. The weather has been variable, and the presence of dew may play a significant role.

“The dew is unpredictable,” remarked Rohit, who was coughing. It appears that not only the Indian captain but also several of his teammates are experiencing health issues.

“In terms of the overhead conditions, I believe there is not a significant difference between India and Dubai. If the skies are overcast, we possess the resources to handle that.”

Bangladesh also shares this sentiment. For the first time, their pace attack seems to be more formidable than their spin options. There is considerable excitement surrounding their emerging pace talent, Nahid Rana. Additionally, they can count on the experience of Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman. The pitch in Dubai is anticipated to be slower, presenting a unique challenge.

Both teams are eager to commence another ICC tournament on a positive note, but the team that first navigates the gap between aspiration and reality is likely to emerge victorious.

Read Also: Pakistan’s Title Dreams Fade After 60-Run Defeat to New Zealand

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