Xtra Time Web Desk: The Indian team management’s plan to play at least one warm-up game before the WTC Final might not be possible due to the tight scheduling. Rohit Sharma and his boys may have to be content with playing an intra-squad match ahead of the big final against Australia to be played at the Oval from June 7-11.
The idea behind having a practice game against a county side was to get ideal preparations since most of the Indian players were busy playing IPL 2023. It would have also helped the Indian cricketers to acclimatise to the conditions and adjust to the pitches.
The first batch of the Indian squad already left for London in the wee hours on Tuesday. Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj will travel later today.
The players who are playing in the IPL playoffs including skipper Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, Mohammad Shami, KS Bharat and Ajinkya Rahane will travel once their IPL assignments are over. Cheteshwar Pujara is already playing county cricket in England.
With the full squad only available on June 1, there might not be enough time for a practice game. the BCCI were in talks with ECB to arrange a 3-day game for the Indian team, but the possibility looks remote. On their last tour of England, India played a warm-up game against Leicestershire. At the present scenario the Indian team management may have to be satisfied with playing an intra-squad practice match before the WTC Final.