BCCI's big plan for Indian cricket
India might have won the ODI series in South Africa in a convincing fashion, but the 1-2 defeat in the Test series is something that the BCCI wants to work on. Due to lack of preparation for the Test series, Indian batsmen floundered in the first two Tests of the series and the BCCI is keen on avoiding such mistakes. Here's how!
Players to be sent 10 days in advance to England
The modus operandi for the BCCI is to send players 10 days in advance to England to avoid a similar situation to that what occurred in South Africa. Apart from that, the team will also start the preparations in the first week of June itself. The series is scheduled to be played between July 3rd and September 11th.
BCCI doesn't want to lose this time
"If the Indian team had spent at least 10 days in South Africa before the first Test, it would have made a lot of difference. The team is determined that each player gets enough time and exposure in England", a BCCI official said.
Test specialists to play for India A?
According to a report in the Times of India, BCCI sources claim that a few Test specialists could be asked to play for India A. Rahul Dravid coached side will tour England before the senior team plays the five-match Test series from August 1st. India will first play T20Is and ODIs to get enough practice for the Test matches.
World Cup on BCCI's minds
"The idea is to park more and more players in England and ensure that the cricketers are ready for the entire series. With England also scheduled to host the 50-over World Cup next year, this tour is very important for us," the official further said.
England tour has 3 T20Is & ODIs & 5 Tests
India's tour of England will begin on July 3rd with the 1st T20I. After 2 more T20Is on the 6th and 8th, India will play 3 ODI on the 12th, 14th and the 17th of July. The 5 match Test series between the two heavy-weights will begin on the 1st of August with the tour drawing to a close on the 11th of September.
Before England India play Ireland
Before the tour of England, India will play Ireland two T20Is at Dublin. The first T20I will be held on June 27th and the second fixture will be played on 29th of the month.
Kohli's winning mentality is infectious
Virat Kohli's winning mentality seems to be infectious and the BCCI is the latest to be plagued by it. The cricket board doesn't want the Indian side to be below par overseas and want to go for the kill especially with the World Cup next on the cards. With Kohli at the helm, India cricket looks like it is in safe hands.