Ajinkya Rahane gives a sneak peek into Team India's flight to England for the Champions Trophy

They might have had a long home season, played 13 Tests on the trot followed it up with another hectic Indian Premier League schedule but as they gear up in their Blue kits the Indian team will be vibrant and full of zest. They are the defending champions of the Champions Trophy and under the new captain, Virat Kohli will want to make a mark. Indian middle order batsman Ajinkya Rahane shared a sneak peak of the team from their flight to England.

The versatile Rahane has been picked up ahead of the likes of Suresh Raina and the in-form Rishabh Pant for his versatility to bat at any position in the Indian team and his experience of having played and done well in England. The right-handed batsman played for the Rising Pune Supergiant at the top of the order, a role which he has had with the Indian team often in the absence of the openers.

“Off to London” read his caption on Instagram as a photograph of Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya trended on Instagram. The Indian side has played it safe with the selection of the squad, with an identical squad to the 2013 edition of the tournament. While Ashwin is fresh from the 2-month break, a determined Rohit Sharma takes his place at the top of the Indian batting order.

A new role for Rohit

Additionally, the Mumbaikar is all set to take a new role in the Indian squad, that of a deputy to the captain Virat Kohli. While fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan makes a comeback due to his consistent show with the bat in the IPL for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The defending champions have reached England and will soon start preparing for the big challenge they face against Pakistan in the tournament opener.