What’s the story
BCCI’s official broadcaster, Star Sports will live telecast the warm-up matches between India A and England. The two warm up games will be played on January 10 and 12 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. The matches will start at 1330 IST and 0900 IST.
The Cricket Club of India (CCI) is leaving no stone unturned to make the games at Brabourne Stadium a huge success. “Preparations are in full swing. Dhoni is a legend and he could be playing his last match at the Brabourne Stadium on January 10. Gates are going to be free and we expect around 20.000 spectators for the match.” said Sachin Bajaj, executive committee member of the CCI.
In case you didn't know...
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who has relinquished the Indian limited overs captaincy, has been named as the India A skipper for the first of the warm-up games. Ajinkya Rahane will lead the side in the second warm-up game.
Dhoni will lead a strong side that includes the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj singh, Hardik Pandya, and Ashish Nehra who will be seen in action in the upcoming series against England. The warm-up games will also provide an ideal platform for a number of Indian domestic players to stake their claim for a place in the Indian limited-overs set-up.
Also Read: India announce squad for two warm-up games against England
The heart of the matter
Ever since Dhoni was named as the captain of the India A team, excited Indian fans were hoping to see their favourite captain leading a side out on the park. Star Sports decision to telecast live the matches is a perfect supplement to CCI’s efforts in making the warm-up games a huge occasion.
What next?
England, after being humbled 4-0 in the test series, return to India after the Christmas break. They are scheduled to play 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is against India, beginning January 15. England will want to impress everyone in the warmups and send a strong message to the resurgent Indian team. But England will be wary of a strong India A side pitted against them in the warmups.
Fans can tune into Star Sports on January 10 to watch all the action and Dhoni captaining the India A side against England.
Sportskeeda’s take
MS Dhoni is the most successful Indian captain and his fans not only adore him but also want to see him play. Taking away the opportunity to see Dhoni leading a side on the field would have been harsh for millions of fans who have immense love for the Jharkhand superstar. So Star Sports decision to telecast the warm-up games live on January 10 and 12 must be appreciated.
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