Centurion, September 25: Ravaged by injuries and unsettled by a disappointing build-up, India would seek to draw inspiration from history when they clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in their Champions Trophy opener here tomorrow.
Already missing star performers like opener Virender Sehwag and pacer Zaheer Khan, India were dealt another massive blow when middle-order mainstay Yuvraj Singh was forced to return home owing a fractured right-hand finger.
Yuvraj’s absence has left a gaping hole in the Indian line-up and it would be quite a challenge for the young Virat Kohli to step into the dashing left-hander’s shoes.
Apart from the batting and bowling, off-field rumblings have contributed no less to the disquiet in skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s ranks.
India’s other batting slots are also far from settled with question marks on the early rustiness of Gautam Gambhir, who was nursing a groin strain before the tournament.
–PTI