KOHLI-TY CONTROL
This will be first big test for Virat who will lead India’s defence of Champions Trophy
London, May 31: There are serious off-field issues plaguing both teams but defending champions India, along with the mighty Australia, will start as title contenders in the ICC Champions Trophy, beginning here on Thursday.
Hosts England, who have shown amazing transformation as a potent limitedovers side, will be the ‘Dark Horse’ in the eightteam tournament where the once formidable West Indies are a notable absentee.
Hosts England will kickstart the tourney against minnows Bangladesh here on Thursday before the much-awaited rivalry between India and Pakistan on June 4.
However, the two teams that will enjoy maximum traction are surely going to be India and Australia in a tournament where one can expect high-scoring matches on good batting tracks.
Both teams have a fantastic blend of youth and experience, a must for 50over cricket.
Ironically, both teams have been in the news for reasons which aren’t exactly cricketing to say the least.
While a rumoured rift between Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble has been gaining ground the Australian team’s payment dispute with their cricket board is out in the public domain.
Both teams will be starting their respective campaigns in such an uncomfortable backdrop, but they have quality players who will not let the controversies affect their game.
The Indian team has not displayed any signs of stress during their two warm-up matches which they won without breaking any sweat.
At the same time, Australia also came up with lively performances in their respective warmup games. India have the perfect balance with 9 players from the victorious 2013 side retained.
It will be Kohli’s first big test as captain in an ICC event and he would like to shrug off his disappointing IPL form.