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'India's matches with Zimbabwe will be competitive'

July 24, 2013 10:10 IST


After a hectic but successful two months of cricket, Indian players are looking to play in relaxed mood and have fun in Zimbabwe in the five-match ODI series, captain Virat Kohli has said.

India have played non-stop cricket in the last two months winning the Champions Trophy in England and a triangular series in the West Indies.

The switch to a more laid-back atmosphere was evident at the team's first training session with the players having a game of football. They laughed and joked for much of the workout.

'We are happy to be in Zimbabwe'


Kohli said his young side would play hard but would also have fun at the same time. 

"'We are happy to be in Zimbabwe' and also looking forward to having a good time out here," Kohli said ahead of the first game at the Harare Sports Club.

"I believe that the games will be competitive. Our squad is a young one but we are out here to have fun," he added. 

'I'm sure fans will enjoy the games'


Duncan Fletcher, who is in charge of India in his home country, agreed with Kohli and said the tour would be less intense as compared to the gruelling ones in the last two months. 

"The past two months have been hectic, too much nerve-wracking stuff happened," Fletcher said. 

"We are looking forward to a less intense tour here. I'm sure fans will enjoy the games," said 64-year-old Fletcher, who was born here and played six ODIs for Zimbabwe in 1983.

While India have reached peak ODI form and won 10 of its last 12 matches, the 10th-ranked Zimbabwe last played a 50-over international in early May.