Picture Credit: Twitter/@BCCI
Team India are all set to leave for England tonight in what is going to be a very long tour for them. After playing the World Test Championship final from June 18-22 in Southampton, Virat Kohli's side will have quite a long break before they return on the field again on August 4 for the first Test against England at Trent Bridge. The travel restrictions amid the ongoing pandemic is the reason India have decided to stay back.
The big question is - What will Team India do in the long gap between the two Tests? The players and staff members will notably be allowed to leave the bio-bubble after their match against the Kiwis and they will be free from most of the restrictions. Considering the safety of the players and all the protocols in mind, let us have a look at a list of things they can do in the one month period.
1. Watch some cricket in England
Ahead of the India-England Test series, the home side have quite a busy schedule as they will playing a lot of white-ball cricket in the months of June and July. Eoin Morgan's side will play a 3-match T20I series followed by a 3-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. Following that, they are set to host Pakistan for a similar bilateral series. With a chance to enjoy some cricket in the beautiful summer of England, Team India should definitely go to see a few of these matches in the stadium.
Although they can watch all the matches, Team India should certainly see the 3-match T20I series between England and Pakistan. Firstly, it will give them an idea of what they can expect from both the teams in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Secondly, the matches of the series will be played at Trent Bridge, Leeds and Old Trafford - all of those venues where India are scheduled to play Test matches.
2. Go out to see British GP 2021
Formula One is one of the most popular sports in the world and one of the most famous races of the calendar is British GP which takes place at the iconic Silverstone Circuit. This year's race is scheduled to take place on July 18 which would be a time when Indian team members will be in the middle of their one-month break.
Most of the Indian cricketers have often demonstrated their interest in sports cars and there is a possibility that they might be intrigued to go out and watch some of best F1 racers in the world like Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. With the event not taking place in India since many years and the busy cricket schedule for Virat Kohli's side, this might just be the golden opportunity for them to enjoy one of the best sporting events in the world.
3. Lend support to their footballer friends
The world of football is currently gearing up for the much-awaited UEFA EURO 2020 which is going to feature some of the biggest stars of the game fighting it out for the ultimate glory. Interestingly, two pre-quarters (June 26 and June 29) the semi-finals (July 6 and July 7) and the finals (July 11) will take place at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London.
The interest of the Indian cricketers in football is widely known to everyone. While Virat Kohli is a big admirer of England captain Harry Kane, Shubman Gill has often been seen praising young Mason Mount. With both the players set to play for their country, Team India could be seen supporting their friends if they reach the knockout phases of the tournament.
While the players can certainly visit so many tourist destinations in UK like Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, Tower of London, Big Ben, Warwick Castle and so many more places, they would certainly want to be associated with sports and witness the events mentioned above. One thing is certain that the players are going to have a good relaxing time in UK in that one-month gap before a busy cricket schedule which will seem them play 5-match Test series against England followed by IPL 2021 and 2021 T20 World Cup.