Overcast Dubai, No Worries for India
The atmospheric conditions in Dubai, whether overcast, dewy, or with a slight spice in the air, are no cause for concern for the Indian cricket team, according to Captain Rohit Sharma. As India prepares to face Bangladesh in their first match of the Champions Trophy, Rohit’s confidence stems from the team’s familiar territory. India has played nine T20Is at this venue since October 2021, and while they haven’t played an ODI in Dubai since 2018, the team’s versatility and adaptability are key strengths that will help them navigate any conditions.
Versatile Arsenal to Combat Any Conditions
Rohit is confident in his team’s ability to adjust and perform irrespective of the overhead conditions. "If it’s going to be overcast, we have the bowling arsenal to combat that," he said. "If there are overhead conditions helping the bowlers, we have the bowlers to exploit that. And if we bat in those conditions, the batters know exactly what to do." This confidence is well-founded given the depth and variety in India’s squad, which includes several multi-skilled cricketers capable of contributing in multiple facets of the game.
Multi-Skilled Cricketers Adding Depth
The presence of multi-skilled cricketers like Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja provides a significant boost to the team. These players, who can bat and bowl effectively, offer Rohit multiple options to tailor the team composition based on match conditions. "Those three guys – Jadeja, Axar, and Washy – give us a different dimension to the game, our combination, and our squad, and add a lot of depth. That is why we tried to get players who have two skills rather than one," Rohit explained. Without the injured Jasprit Bumrah, these players will be crucial in maintaining the team’s balance and effectiveness.
Varun Chakravarthy: The Subtle Wrist Spinner
One of the young talents in the Indian squad is wristspinner Varun Chakravarthy. Though he has played only one ODI so far, his impressive List A record, with 60 wickets from 24 matches at an average of 14.80, cannot be overlooked. Rohit has noted Varun’s unique style and his ability to keep his variations under wraps, adding an element of surprise to his bowling. "He doesn’t bowl too many variations to us in the nets. He bowls just one type of delivery. Maybe, he doesn’t want to show his variations even to us. But that is a good thing. He has got certain weapons which he wants to just put it out there, when it actually matters," Rohit said. The captain’s faith in Varun’s potential and his recent performances underscores the player’s importance to the team.
Mohammad Shami’s Return and Importance
Another crucial player Rochit will bank on is fast bowler Mohammad Shami. Shami, who returned to international cricket late last month after undergoing ankle surgery in early 2024, bowled 15.5 overs across the two ODIs he played against England, claiming a wicket in each game. Despite the limited overs, his return to the team is a significant boost. "All we wanted with Shami was to get back to wearing India colours more than anything else. Whether he gets wickets or not was completely immaterial to us [in the England series]," Rohit shared. The captain’s focus on Shami’s ability to find rhythm early in the tournament highlights the importance of his role, especially in the absence of Bumrah.
Looking Forward with Confidence
Andrew Fidel Fernando, a senior writer at ESPNcricinfo, captures the essence of India’s preparation and the team’s readiness to face the challenges ahead. With a blend of experienced players and promising young talents, India is well-equipped to handle the various conditions and oppositions they will encounter in the Champions Trophy. Rohit’s leadership, combined with the team’s depth and adaptability, positions India as a formidable force in the tournament. As they step onto the field in Dubai, the Indian team is not just prepared; they are confident and poised to make a strong impact.
