As India gears up for their upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, an intense fielding session set the tone for the preparation. In a video released by BCCI.TV, India’s fielding coach, T Dilip, confirmed that Team Virat Kohli emerged victorious in a challenging fielding drill.
The drill, part of the training session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, saw participation from all major Indian players, with Kohli’s team showing remarkable energy and skill.
Battle of skills and focus
The fielding drill, designed to sharpen reflexes and coordination, featured the likes of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Dhruv Jurel, and Rishabh Pant. Each player brought their A-game, but it was Virat Kohli’s team that stood out, demonstrating exceptional fielding under pressure.
Coach T Dilip lauded the effort, noting that such drills are vital for building momentum ahead of high-stakes matches. “The competitive edge helps players stay focused and sharp,” Dilip remarked, emphasising how critical fielding will be in the upcoming series.
India Cricket Team Full Squad
Monday’s training session also saw India’s full 16-member squad in action, including Sarfaraz Khan, who arrived in Chennai fresh from his participation in the Duleep Trophy. Sarfaraz quickly integrated into the training, joining teammates such as Kohli, Jaiswal, and Rohit Sharma for net practice.
Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal were the first to face pacer Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, with both batsmen looking comfortable. After their stint, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Sarfaraz Khan took to the nets, with Rohit focusing on tackling spin—a tactic aimed at countering Bangladesh’s spin-heavy attack.
Bowlers in action: India vs Bangladesh
Fast bowlers from local Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) academies also played a significant role, bowling long spells to key players such as Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant. Mohammed Siraj, fresh from his excellent form, took time to bowl and even had a few hits with the bat.
Rishabh Pant return in focus
As India approaches the first Test starting on September 19, all eyes are on Rishabh Pant. The wicketkeeper-batsman is aiming for a return to the playing XI after nearly two years away from the squad.
Having impressed during the IPL and ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Pant is expected to secure his spot, pushing Dhruv Jurel, who made an impact in his debut against England, to the sidelines.
Building momentum for India vs Bangladesh Test series
With two more training sessions scheduled before the opening India vs Bangladesh Test, Rohit Sharma & Co is fine-tuning their strategies and getting match-ready.
The competitive spirit, as seen in Virat Kohli’s fielding drill, reflects the team’s determination to dominate the upcoming series. As the players sharpen their skills, fans eagerly anticipate another thrilling chapter in India’s cricketing journey.
