Most of the Indian team members are heading to the main event after more than two months of playing T20 cricket in the IPL.
Also, while SG balls are used for India’s red ball format, Dukes will be used for the WTC final.
However, India has prepared well for these two challenges. To familiarize themselves with the Dukes ball, which is used in English conditions, the people in blue worked with it.
We knew that even before the IPL started. So even during the IPL it was discussed that we would play with the red ball, Axar told ICC.
We had red balls and we used them. You know when and how to play, how much time you have. The mental transition from white ball to red ball is certainly not easy, but we have plenty of time, Axar added.
The left-handed spinner, however, said that the important thing is to hit the right spot, regardless of the ball used.
We go from a white ball to a red ball. It’s the same transition as going from SG to Dukes, you have to use your talent and skill. You have to execute your plan, your bowling rhythm. Regardless of the ball, if you play a good ball in a good spot, it works.
So here’s what we do. Since the match is in England, which is different from India, we plan what lines and lengths will work here. It’s the same in practice, and we’re ready. The first group of Indian players, including Virat Kohli and Axar, landed in London early last week and are preparing for the final, which will be held at The Oval from June 7-11.
Those who didn’t qualify (for the IPL playoffs) got more time. So I don’t think there will be many problems because we’ve had a good amount of time to prepare.
The difference is that Dukes ball stays brilliant longer. But during the IPL, we ordered the ball, so we trained with it and got used to it, Aksar said.
The Indian team will also have to adapt quickly to the relatively cool conditions in England as they played in sweltering heat during the IPL.
We came after playing in IPL where it was 40-45 degrees in India. After that, we feel great here. We took off our winter clothes and are walking around in sweaters. It’s also a little windy here. Every time we come to the UK, we enjoy the weather. It stays a little cool here, no heat. In stark contrast to the Indian fields, favorable for spinning.Conditions inEngland is more suited to swing bowling.
Obviously, conditions in India and England are different. Here fast bowlers play a more important role. In India, spinners play a more important role, Aksar said.
The conditions are the same for both teams. In England, the wind helps the swing bowling and provides good bounce if played in the right places.
The team is slowly coming together, so planning will continue. We’ll leave the planning to our bowling coach.