Successful in keeping opponents and vitriol at bay so far, India will have to rise above traditional bugbear New Zealand and a rigmarole of emotions surrounding stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to reclaim the Champions Trophy after 12 years in Dubai on Sunday.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Santner acknowledged India's superior game plan and their ability to dictate terms in the middle phase.
Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has been left supremely impressed by the quality of youngsters in the Punjab Kings squad as well as the Indian T20 set up on the sidlelines of the IPL.
'When people look at Kohli, they see a boy from Delhi who is taking on the Aussies in their own backyard and aspire to be like him.' 'Players like Jadeja and Ashwin lack this quotient.'
Following India's five-wicket win over Australia, stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya said KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja's partnership had a calming effect on the others watching from outside.
With the pitch at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) expected to offer some grip to the spinners, the Indian batters did not want to leave anything to the chance.
Kotak highlighted the flexibility of Rahul, who came almost an hour early to the scheduled net session.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has picked India as the favourites in Sunday's Champions Trophy summit clash against New Zealand, but hastened to add that the advantage will be miniscule, given that the Black Caps are a formidable side.
Kuldeep Yadav has taken 25 wickets in 43 innings when he bowled between overs 40 and 45 since 2015.
Virat Kohli's form in focus as India eye ODI clean-sweep over England
With an aggressive mindset and intense training sessions, India looks set to make a powerful statement when they step onto the field, observes K R Nayar, the veteran cricket writer, from Dubai.
The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in Chennai promises a captivating battle between wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Noor Ahmad. Both bowlers are known for their artistry and ability to control the middle overs.
Though Australia have dominated the rain-hit Test, time will most likely deny the hosts.
Srinivas Bhogle and Purnendu Maji present Rediff's Most Valuable Player Index of IPL 2025 after Game 39.
Varun Chakravarthy, a key player for both the Indian team and the Kolkata Knight Riders, emphasizes the importance of consistency and reveals he is working on new variations to his spin bowling.
It is understood that Yashasvi Jaiswal has a bright chance of making it to the ODI squad. His inclusion would ensure a left-handed batter in the top four.
'If you stay humble, put your heart in the right place, train hard, and let your bat talk, God finds ways to bless you.'
'I think Rohit should play aggressively. You saw how he batted in the ODI World Cup -- he was attacking even in the final. So, I believe his approach will remain the same.'
Their pre-tournament decision to fill the squad with five spinners drew a lot of flak from all corners, but it is now proving to be a masterstroke on the slow pitches in Dubai.
'My husband is like a booster dose for me, who has always motivated me.'
Who do you think should be part of India's playing XI for the second ODI against England on Sunday?
India claimed an unassailable 2-0 lead over England after captain Rohit Sharma's rapid hundred secured a four-wicket win in the second one-day international on Sunday.
Here are the batters who brought the crowds to their feet at Chepauk on Sunday night...
Star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was rewarded with the elite grade A plus retainership.
IMAGES from the Day 1 of the third Test played between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday
The Royals batting looks decent but there is the issue of consistency and lack of depth that could be telling as the tournament wears on.
Ravindra Jadeja is recovering at home after undergoing knee surgery which has ruled him out of next month's T20 World Cup.
There were moments in past tournaments where we weren't able to finish games or capitalise on crucial situations. But this time, we learned from those experiences,
Except in the IPL, the Australians have not had a good look at Varun Chakravarthy's bowling and that could spell trouble for Steve Smith and Co.
The legendary Sachin Tendulkar led the cricket world in showering praise on Afghanistan after their stunning eight-run victory over England in the Champions Trophy, saying their wins "can't be termed as upsets anymore".
Veteran Sachin Baby steadied Kerala's innings with a resolute unbeaten half-century, guiding his team to 206/4
While India are on a high after a measured six-wicket win over a sprightly Bangladesh, Pakistan are evidently tense after the 60-run loss in the tournament-opener to New Zealand.
The Indian players enjoyed their weekend exploring Perth as they enjoyed some time off after the practice session.
'That is something I really wanted, to have six bowling options and then batting till No. 8 as well.'
A look at Indian players' records in ICC ODI tournament finals including the World Cup and Champions Trophy.
Rohit Sharma's attacking knock of 76 set the tone for India's four-wicket victory in the final against New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday.
With just a week to go until the start of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the UAE, it sets up a tight race for the premier position for batters in 50-over cricket during the eight-team tournament.
'When you leave, you want to leave the team in better place'
Henry's exceptional spell of 5 for 42 in eight overs played a crucial role in restricting India to 249/9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
'The festival of Dussehra is celebrated to mark the day the Pandavas emerged victorious from their exile. Today, on Dussehra, I am equally happy, as Ajay Jadeja has accepted to be my heir,' the current jamsaheb said in a statement.
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