Former Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar expressed his views on India's upcoming five-match Test series against England starting June 20, emphasizing the importance of the first two Tests while also commenting on India U19 squad selections and IPL 2025 prospects.
Vengsarkar remains optimistic about India's chances in England despite the recent Test retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The 69-year-old veteran, who has scored 6,868 runs in 116 Tests, believes the team has strong potential.
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"We have a very good and capable team. India also have a good chance and the first two Tests will be crucial - it will largely determine how the team performs in the remaining matches of the five-Test series. I believe new players may emerge during this series, and I am hopeful that India will perform well," Vengsarkar told IANS.
The Indian cricket team is going through a period of transition, with the two main pillars in the batting department gone and a captain for the England Test series yet to be announced.
The former batter also praised IPL 2025 breakout stars Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre, along with Mumbai wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu, for their selection in the India U-19 squad for the England tour.
"It is very good that Ayush Mhatre, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Abhigyan Kundu have been named in the India U19 squad for England tour. I've seen Kundu, who is from Mumbai, playing; he is a very good player, a good keeper and a good thinker also. I have high hopes for him to perform well on the England tour. They have the platform to showcase their worth," Vengsarkar said.
"The exposure of IPL is very big and it is a great opportunity for them to score runs and win matches for their teams," he added.
Regarding IPL 2025, Vengsarkar backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru or Punjab Kings to secure their first championship title.
"RCB and Punjab have been trying to lift the title for many years. I hope that one of these teams wins the IPL this time - it would be great for the team, franchise and owners," Vengsarkar stated.
Vengsarkar remains optimistic about India's chances in England despite the recent Test retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The 69-year-old veteran, who has scored 6,868 runs in 116 Tests, believes the team has strong potential.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
"We have a very good and capable team. India also have a good chance and the first two Tests will be crucial - it will largely determine how the team performs in the remaining matches of the five-Test series. I believe new players may emerge during this series, and I am hopeful that India will perform well," Vengsarkar told IANS.
The Indian cricket team is going through a period of transition, with the two main pillars in the batting department gone and a captain for the England Test series yet to be announced.
The former batter also praised IPL 2025 breakout stars Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre, along with Mumbai wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu, for their selection in the India U-19 squad for the England tour.
"It is very good that Ayush Mhatre, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Abhigyan Kundu have been named in the India U19 squad for England tour. I've seen Kundu, who is from Mumbai, playing; he is a very good player, a good keeper and a good thinker also. I have high hopes for him to perform well on the England tour. They have the platform to showcase their worth," Vengsarkar said.
"The exposure of IPL is very big and it is a great opportunity for them to score runs and win matches for their teams," he added.
Regarding IPL 2025, Vengsarkar backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru or Punjab Kings to secure their first championship title.
"RCB and Punjab have been trying to lift the title for many years. I hope that one of these teams wins the IPL this time - it would be great for the team, franchise and owners," Vengsarkar stated.
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