NEW DELHI: Going into the
T20 World Cup 2024
opener, the
Indian cricket team
is leaving no stone unturned in their preparations. Head coach
Rahul Dravid
has emphasized that they are approaching their opening match against Ireland with the same intensity and focus as they would for any other top-ranked team.
Dravid understands the unpredictable nature of the T20 format and the potential threat posed by any opposition.
He has cautioned against complacency, stating that the team will not underestimate Ireland, who recently defeated Pakistan in a bilateral series.
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"We are preparing for this match in a similar way as we are preparing for Pakistan and Australia. There will be no shortage in our preparation. We know that they recently defeated Pakistan. We know that Ireland plays a lot of T20 cricket. In this format, you can't take anyone lightly or with a look. We will definitely not take them lightly. We respect them a lot," Dravid said during the pre-match press conference.
The Indian team is aware of the challenges that lie ahead, including the gruelling travel schedule. After the group stage in the USA, they will have to travel to the Caribbean for the subsequent rounds. However, Dravid has emphasized that all teams face similar challenges, and the Indian contingent is not complaining.
"Everyone has the same schedule. Schedules are tight. Calendars are extremely tight. Yes, it's going to be challenging travelling from one venue to the other in the West Indies. But again, no complaints. It's the same for everyone. I mean, it's not that only India is going to have to travel, play and travel. Every other team is going to also have to play and travel if they go all the way. So fine, we have to deal with it. We have to get on with it. And we have to play the best cricket we can," Dravid stated.
The Indian team is widely regarded as one of the favourites to lift the
T20 World Cup
trophy, and Dravid acknowledges the high expectations placed on his side by experts and former players. However, he also recognizes the strength of the opposition, highlighting that there are several formidable teams in the tournament.
"When I look across the tournament like this, you see that we are, of course, a strong team. But there are other very strong teams as well in this tournament. So I'm sure there are four or five teams that everyone is probably rating," Dravid concluded.
India kick off their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign on June 5 against Ireland at the newly constructed Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.
Their schedule includes high-stakes encounters against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 9, USA on June 12, and Canada on June 15 to conclude their Group A fixtures. The team seeks to break their ICC trophy drought, last winning the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, despite several near misses in subsequent ICC events.
(Inputs from ANI)
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