NEW DELHI: A year before the 50-over World Cup at home in 2023, India played 30 ODIs in order to find the right balance and the right combination. As a result, India had a near faultless show - up until that forgettable evening in Ahmedabad.
With the ICC Champions Trophy in the offing, things are the complete opposite. Chasing a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final for a third cycle running, India have played the longest format for the most part. Since losing to Australia in November 2023, India have played just nine ODIs - the fewest of the eight teams that will compete in Pakistan and Dubai. Overall, only Ireland has played fewer matches than India in this period.
