Trending

'My main concern is to ensure no negativity bleeds into our...': Brendon McCullum already worried about Test series vs India after Champions Trophy 2025 exit

Brendon McCullum is disappointed with the result but does not want it to carry forward to England's Test summer. They will face India in five-Test series at home.

Sports Tak

• Sun • 02 Mar 2025

Brendon McCullum, Head Coach of England, speaks to the media in a post match press conference following defeat to South Africa during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match at National Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Karachi, Pakistan.

Highlights:

Brendon McCullum believes the series against India was a good preparation for Champions Trophy 2025.

McCullum does not want the negativity to bleed into their Test side as well.

McCullum sympathises with Jos Buttler who stepped down as ODI and T20I captain.

England bowed out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with three losses in a row. After two thrilling encounters, a low on confidence England was outplayed in all departments of the game by South Africa as they were handed a seven-wicket defeat in Karachi on March 1. England head coach Brendon McCullum admitted there are lessons to be learnt after the Champions Trophy 2025 debacle but is more worried that the negativity does not seep into their Test cricket as well.

“My main concern is to ensure no negativity bleeds into our big test cricket summer and at same time ensure guys who have been successful before their confidence levels remain high,” McCullum said in the post-match press conference months ahead of India's tour of England for five-Test series to kickstart their World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 campaign.

McCullum on ODI series against India before Champions Trophy 2025

This was England's seventh consecutive defeat in the format. Before the Champions Trophy 2025, they were whitewashed by Rohit Sharma-led India in the ODI series as well. While opener Ben Duckett said they don't care about losing the series to India until and unless they go on to win the Champions Trophy, McCullum feels it was a good preparatory series for the team.

“No I felt India was a very good preparation for such a tournament. Yes we were beaten comfortably by India but it was good preparation for a major tournament,” the former New Zealand captain said.

ALSO READ: 'We've also played in Dubai, it's not something new': Marco Jansen's straightforward answer on India's 'home advantage' controversy ahead of Champions Trophy semis

McCullum understands how Buttler is feeling

Meanwhile, McCullum also expressed his concern over how captain Jos Buttler must be feeling after stepping down as ODI and T20I captain.

“It is natural how he is feeling as he cares so much and is sad he couldn’t get the best out of the guys. But it gives us an opportunity to move forward and find ways to do well as per the style of cricket we play. Jos remains a big player for us,” the 43-year-old said.

ALSO READ: 'You can take it however you want': Karun Nair opens up on 'nine' celebration, gives honest reply to queries of probable Test recall for England tour

Buttler will be seen in action in subcontient when he returns to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The wicketkeeper-batter will play for IPL 2022 winners Gujarat Titans (GT) under Shubman Gill's captaincy. The experienced campaigner was roped in for Rs 15.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction.