first home ODI since the World Cup, marking the end of a 14-month gap. It's an unusually lengthy break in a format they enjoy playing and promoting domestically, but such are the circumstances. This lack of preparation opportunities for the Champions Trophy, particularly in home conditions where there's more room for adjustments, makes the upcoming three-match series against England even more significant. The contest is compelling enough to stand out, even in a crowded cricket calendar.
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The schedule works in India's favor, as they begin in Vidarbha rather than Motera, where they infamously lost the World Cup to Australia in front of a record crowd. However, that won't stop fans from flocking to the Nagpur stadium. In fact, the November 19 defeat has only fueled India's drive for an ODI title, with excitement pouring into Marine Drive when Rohit Sharma's team returned home with the T20 World Cup just seven months after their heartbreak in the 50-over format.
The upcoming Champions Trophy presents India with an opportunity to end their ODI trophy drought. They are likely to leave no stone unturned in this series, which serves as both a warm-up for the ICC event and a reflection on the recent T20I series, which has shown that the next generation is ready and waiting.
Pitch report:
The pitch at VCA Stadium in Nagpur is expected to provide consistent pace and bounce, making it favorable for stroke play. However, spinners may find some turn, while fast bowlers will likely rely on variations