The Indian team is a closely knit unit and that is evident from the body language of all the players and the success they have had over the past two years or so.
Led by Captain Virat Kohli, Team India has managed to scale new heights with their success at home and overseas as well.
But, it all changes in the month of April and May, when it is time for the biggest carnival of cricket -- the Indian Premier League. Fought to the T, friendships go for a toss and there is only one thing in mind -- to win the coveted trophy.
And, the marker has been laid down by two of Indian cricket's brightest talents.
As we come closer to IPL 2019, Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah issued challenges to Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Kohli to be aware as they are all set to take the veterans down.
Pant, who has enjoyed a brilliant 2018, asked Dhoni to be aware of him as he is all set to show his skills and take down the Chennai Super Kings, who won IPL 2018 on their return.
Bumrah, on the other hand, had only one aim -- to take down the world's best batsman -- King Kohli.
And, the response from MS and Kohli was nothing short of gold as they say in the modern day.
However, all fun and games aside, Pant, Kohli, Dhoni and Bumrah, for now, will have only one thing in mind -- to take Australia down and give India a perfect platform going into the World Cup later in the year in England and Wales.
Australia are in India for two T20Is and five ODIs, with the first game all set to be played on February 24 in Visakhapatnam. The series will end on March 13 with the fifth and final ODI at the Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi and that will be it for India's preparations for the World Cup.
Following the Australia series, all Indian players will report to their respective franchises as the IPL is all set to get underway from March 23 with current champions Chennai Super Kings hosting the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
