The disappointment from failed Tests is yet to ebb away from the country’s cricket eco-system, but there is no missing the air of confidence as Team India embark upon its first assignment of the new year. There are more reasons than one for Suryakumar Yadav & Co to bolster belief, none more clinching than recent records. Unlike the beleaguered Test squad, India’s T20 group is flush from emphatic series victories in Sri Lanka (3-0) and South Africa (3-1).

Axar Patel, the new vice-captain, was at the Eden Gardens on Monday to remind that “we have a settled T20 side and there isn’t much pressure” even as he spoke of his new responsibilities as part of the leadership group. “It’s just been a day but, yes, we [Suryakumar, head coach Gautam Gambhir and Axar] have had a discussion, on minor decisions like which areas of the game we have to work on,” said birthday boy Axar. "Since his recovery, he has done well in both the SMAT and VHT tournaments": Vice-captain Axar Patel praises this bowler