Despite having only four players from the 2011 World Cup team and several small town cricketers, the inexperienced side didn't care much about the reputation of their opponents.
Sources close to the team told TOI that the team knew right after their two big warm-up matches win against Sri Lanka and Australia that they were in with a chance to make history.
"There were no ego problems in the team. The team gelled well and had their share of fun too. They kept telling themselves how important it was to win the trophy to redeem Indian cricket," a team insider told TOI on Tuesday.
Right after the Indian team left for England, the players were reminded once by the team management about their responsibilities as professionals in the backdrop of the huge controversy surrounding the IPL. "And later, nothing had to be told," another source said.
In spite of strict code of conduct, the players had no problem with the restrictions. "Players had no problem with the restrictions and abided by them. Their movements were monitored. They discussed amongst themselves source added.
Also, there was a feeling in the team to bring back something from England after the forgettable tour of 2011. "There were long team meetings. There were also quite a few activities for bonding within the team. There were several outdoor activities to enhance the unity as well," the source added.
It was a short tournament and so the players were told not to get their wives. Only the newly-wed Umesh Yadav was allowed to bring his wife. There were players, according to insiders, who had placed requests to attend night club gatherings. However, the team management had politely turned down their requests.
To attain this focus, the team was virtually cut off from the media glare and could know about the happenings through the internet. When asked if Decision Review System (DRS), the source said: "The Indian team was happy that DRS was benefitting them but it wasn't something they are extremely fond of."
Interestingly, team manager Ranjib Biswal was also around with the team along with skipper MS Dhoni during India's title wins in recent years. Be it being a selector for the 2007 inaugural World T20 championship or being the manager during the 2010 Asia Cup and 2011 World Cup, Biswal brought in his experience to see the team through when Indian cricket is going through a turmoil!
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