Vengsarkar Warns India Ahead Of England Tour: 'First Two Tests Will Be Crucial'
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Dilip Vengsarkar warned the Indian cricket team that the first two Tests on the tour of England will be crucial.
Former India batter Dilip Vengsarkar believes that the first two Tests of the upcoming five-match series against England will be crucial for the visiting side. The series begins on June 20.
Despite the recent red-ball retirements of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the 69-year-old veteran supports the Indian team for the tour. Vengsarkar, who played 116 Tests and scored 6,868 runs, is optimistic about the young talents performing well.
'We have a very good and capable team. India has a good chance, and the first two Tests will be crucial – they 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 shared in an exclusive interview with IANS.
The former batter praised IPL 2025 breakout stars Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre, along with Mumbai wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu, for being named in the India U19 squad for the England tour.
Mhatre will lead the side on the tour that comprises a 50-over warm-up match, followed by a five-match Youth One-Day series and two Multi-Day matches against England U19 from June 24 to July 23. Kundu has been appointed as Mhatre's deputy.
Kundu has been appointed as Mhatre's deputy. 'It is very good that Ayush Mhatre, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, and Abhigyan Kundu have been named in the India U19 squad for the England tour. I've seen Kundu play; he is a very good player, a good keeper, and a good thinker. 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 significant and offers them a great opportunity to score runs and win matches for their teams," he added.
When asked about the potential winner of IPL 2025, Vengsarkar named Royal Challengers Bangalore or Punjab Kings to secure their maiden title in the tournament.
'RCB and Punjab have been striving 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 concluded.
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