Team India's strategy for Champions Trophy 2025 leaked; Hardik Pandya to be...

Team India batters showcased an aggressive intent during the practice session on Monday, February 17, in Dubai ahead of their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener. All-rounder Hardik Pandya stole the spotlight with massive sixes in the nets and sent the ball flying long distances with his power-hitting skills.

The Champions Trophy will begin on February 19, with matches taking place in Pakistan and Dubai. Hardik is expected to play a key role as a seam-bowling all-rounder for India. Mohammed Shami is coming back from a 14-month injury layoff, while Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh are new to ODI cricket.

Hardik Pandya Steals the Show with Batting and Bowling in Practice Session

According to a report by Sport Tak on Tuesday, Indian batters showcased an ultra-aggressive approach during their practice session in Dubai, despite the challenging conditions with the ball swinging under the lights. The ball flew over the sight screen multiple times as the batters were in full attack mode.

Hardik Pandya hit massive sixes and also troubled veteran duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who were mostly untroubled in the practice session. Axar Patel, who is a floater in the Indian batting lineup, used his long levers to play big shots, while Shubman Gill looked in great form with his effortless strokes.

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Mohammed Shami's Return to Form After Injury Layoff a Positive Sign for India

The report added that Mohammed Shami's return to form after a long injury layoff is a positive sign for the Rohit Sharma-led side. He made his comeback to the ODI setup during the recently concluded three-match home series. The veteran pacer took two wickets from as many games against England.

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir is encouraging a fearless mindset. The Men in Blue could potentially break the 300-run mark at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for the first time. However, the top-order batters will need to remain cautious against the new ball, especially under lights.

What Is India's Highest ODI Score in Dubai?

India have played six ODIs in Dubai, where they are set to face Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. Their highest score at the venue is 285/7, which came against Afghanistan in the 2018 Asia Cup, with Shikhar Dhawan scoring 127.

India also had a thrilling tied match against Afghanistan while chasing 253. The Men in Blue defeated Bangladesh by three wickets in a nail-biting chase of 223 in the 2018 Asia Cup final.

Spin is expected to play a crucial role in Dubai, and the Indian middle-order batters have shown they want to take an aggressive approach rather than succumbing to pressure.

The 300-run mark has been surpassed only four times at the venue. The highest score at the ground is England's 355/5 against Pakistan in 2015, while Sri Lanka's successful chase of 285 against Pakistan in 2013 remains the highest successful chase.

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