‘English players must be bringing in their chefs for the IPL too…’ – Former India player takes dig at reports stating England likely to bring their own chefs on India series

The upcoming England tour of India is eagerly anticipated, as English players aim to reverse their fortunes on Indian soil following a 3-1 defeat in their last visit. The tour will feature five Tests, is set to commence on January 25 in Hyderabad and will conclude in March, with the fifth Test taking place in the picturesque city of Dharamsala.

It has been revealed that the England team will bring their chef on the India tour to avoid the risk of falling ill, as reported by The Telegraph. Moreover, the report asserts that England is the first cricket team to consistently travel with their cook, despite the potential risk of offending their hosts.

Citing this the cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra took it to Twitter to share his views on this report. He took a straight shot at English players who come to India every year to participate in the IPL. The ace commentator wrote, “Good idea. I’m sure that the majority of English players must be bringing in their chefs for the IPL too…. year after year. AS IF.”

If England go in three days before, they deserve to get beaten 5-0: Steve Harmison

Leading up to the series, Steve Harmison who is also a former England pacer and close friend of Stokes, raised concerns about England’s arrival in India only three days before the five-match Test series. Harmison also expressed the belief that insufficient acclimatization could potentially lead to a disastrous outcome. Additionally, he suggested that England might end up getting beaten 5-0.

“If England go in three days before, they deserve to get beaten 5-0, they do. I’m an old man. And that’s what they’re going to say: ‘Times have changed, the game has changed.’ But I tell you what, preparation hasn’t changed. You cannot go into India underprepared. You cannot go into India over-prepared. To be honest, I love this new approach. I love Ben Stokes, the Brendon McCullum approach, obviously Rob Key, and everything that they have done, ECB have done. But I’m sorry, going in three days before [the India series]. You would never do that for an Ashes Test series,” Steve Harmison said.