India loss won't hurt if we win Champions Trophy: Ben Duckett

England opener Ben Duckett stresses that the team's main objective is to win the Champions Trophy despite trailing 0-2 in the ODI series against India. England, under coach Brendon McCullum, have faced challenges but Duckett remains positive and confident about their performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy starting February 22 against Australia in Lahore.
India loss won't hurt if we win Champions Trophy: Ben Duckett
Ben Duckett. (Pic Credit - X)
NEW DELHI: England opener Ben Duckett insists that the team's morale remains high despite trailing 0-2 in their ODI series against India, emphasising that their primary goal is to win the Champions Trophy.
The visitors face India in the final ODI in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, but Duckett downplayed the significance of a potential 0-3 series defeat, stating, "We have come here for one thing and that is to win the Champions Trophy."
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England, led by Jos Buttler, will begin their Champions Trophy campaign on February 22 against arch-rivals Australia in Lahore. They are placed in Group B alongside Afghanistan and South Africa.
"If we lose 3-0 to India, I don’t care as long as we beat them in the final of the Champions Trophy," Duckett added. "It’ll be completely different conditions and different opposition."
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Brendon McCullum’s first white-ball assignment as England coach has been challenging, starting with a 1-4 T20I series loss to India, followed by defeats in the first two ODIs. England had competitive moments in both games but failed to capitalize.
"It’s about peaking at the right time," Duckett said. "We have been close against this India side and we have been nowhere near our best. We will always take positives."
Despite the setbacks, Duckett praised the team’s resilience, dismissing any panic within the squad. "We could dwell on it, have meetings and go at each other, but the group under Baz (McCullum) aren’t going to do that," he stated.
England will now aim for a turnaround in the Champions Trophy, with Duckett confident that the team can hit top form when it matters most. "It’s difficult not getting results here, but hopefully, we can turn it around in Pakistan."

Stay updated with the latest sports news and find out how to watch the ICC Champions Trophy live in Canada and the USA. Don’t miss the highly anticipated India vs New Zealand clash. Check the live cricket scores and Champions Trophy Schedule here.
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