As Team India departed for the upcoming Champions Trophy, the focus was on captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli. Dressed in a crisp white T-shirt and black tracks, Rohit was greeted by enthusiastic fans chanting ‘Rohit bhai’ and ‘Rohit sir’ as he made his way to the departure lounge at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Most of the squad, including head coach Gautam Gambhir, vice-captain Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, arrived together in the team bus. The players made time for their fans, signing autographs and waving to the crowd before heading to board their flight to Dubai.
The Indian team is filled with optimism ahead of the Champions Trophy, with the goal of adding another global trophy to their collection following their T20 World Cup victory last June. Without star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, India will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai.
This will be followed by a highly anticipated clash with rivals Pakistan on February 23 and a match against New Zealand on March 2 to conclude their league fixtures.
India’s confidence is high, bolstered by their recent 3-0 ODI series win over England at home. Fans at the airport are hopeful that, led by Rohit and Kohli, the Men in Blue will replicate their success from last year in the West Indies.