Team India Intra Squad Practice Match highlights | India Warm up match ahead of champions trophy 2025

As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, the Indian cricket team has strategically intensified its preparations in Dubai. Fresh off a commanding 3-0 ODI series victory over England on February 12, the squad arrived in Dubai on February 15 to acclimate to the local conditions ahead of their tournament opener against Bangladesh on February 20.

Opting Out of Official Warm-Up Matches

In a notable strategic decision, India has chosen to forgo official warm-up matches prior to the Champions Trophy. This choice is rooted in the belief that the recent ODI series against England provided ample match practice, allowing the team to focus on tailored training sessions in Dubai. This approach aligns with the team's confidence in their current form and the desire to fine-tune strategies without the additional risk of injuries in external matches.

Intensive Training Regimen

The team's training schedule in Dubai has been meticulously planned to ensure comprehensive preparation:

• Net Sessions: Batsmen and bowlers engage in focused practice to hone their skills against various bowling styles and batting techniques.

• Fielding Drills: Emphasis on agility, reflexes, and coordination to enhance on-field performance.

• Intra-Squad Practice Matches: Simulated match scenarios to assess player readiness and team dynamics.

These sessions are designed to foster player coordination, assess individual form, and adapt to the pitch conditions at the Dubai International Stadium. Special attention is given to practicing against left-arm fast bowlers, addressing a specific area identified for improvement.

Intra-Squad Practice Match Highlights

A key component of the preparation involved an intra-squad practice match, simulating high-pressure scenarios to test the players' mettle. The match featured two teams: Team Rohit and Team Gill, with a target of 100 runs set for each side.

Team Rohit:

• Rohit Sharma (Captain): Led from the front, scoring a brisk 30 runs off 17 balls, including 2 sixes and a four, before retiring to allow others to bat.

• Shreyas Iyer: Contributed 19 runs before being dismissed by Mohammed Shami.

• Axar Patel: Played a pivotal role with an unbeaten 27 runs.

• Hardik Pandya: Added a quickfire 25 runs, showcasing his all-round capabilities.

Team Rohit successfully chased down the 100-run target in just 7.1 overs, demonstrating aggressive batting and effective run accumulation.

Team Gill:

• Shubman Gill (Captain): Opened the innings but was dismissed early for 6 runs by Arshdeep Singh.

• Virat Kohli: Anchored the innings with a stellar 45 runs off 23 balls, featuring 1 six and 4 fours, before retiring to provide opportunities for other batsmen.

• KL Rahul and Washington Sundar: Held their nerves to steer the team to the target, showcasing composure under pressure.

Team Gill achieved the 100-run target in 8.4 overs, highlighting depth in batting and the ability to handle challenging situations.

Notably, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja did not participate in this match simulation, focusing instead on specialized training routines.

Focus on Pitch Conditions and Strategy

Understanding the significance of adapting to local conditions, the team has placed special emphasis on familiarizing themselves with the pitch behavior at the Dubai International Stadium. The stadium recently hosted 15 matches of the ILT20, concluding on February 9. Despite the heavy schedule, head curator Matthew Sandery has assured that the pitches designated for the Champions Trophy have undergone sufficient recovery and will offer optimal playing conditions. This preparation is crucial, as the nature of the pitch can significantly influence match outcomes.

The team management has also been in close consultation with the ground staff to gain insights into the expected behavior of the pitches. This collaboration aims to inform strategic decisions, such as team selection and batting order adjustments, ensuring that players are well-prepared to leverage the conditions to their advantage.

Building Team Cohesion and Morale

Beyond physical training, the Indian team is focusing on building strong team cohesion and morale. Regular team meetings, strategy sessions, and group activities are being conducted to foster a unified team spirit. Head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasizes the importance of mental preparedness and collective resilience, especially when facing high-stakes matches.

The leadership trio of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (vice-captain), and Virat Kohli brings a blend of experience and youthful energy, setting a positive tone for the rest of the squad. Their combined expertise is expected to guide the team through challenging phases during the tournament.

Anticipation for the Tournament Opener

As the countdown to the Champions Trophy continues, anticipation within the squad and among fans is palpable. India's first match against Bangladesh on February 20 is highly awaited, with both teams eager to make a strong start. The Indian team's methodical preparation and strategic focus aim to secure a victorious campaign, adding another prestigious title to their illustrious cricketing history.

In summary, Team India's deliberate and focused preparations in Dubai reflect their commitment to excellence and a strategic approach tailored to the unique challenges of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With a blend of rigorous training, strategic planning, and team-building efforts, the squad is poised to make a significant impact in the tournament.