India’s first training session ahead of their last league engagement against the Netherlands here on Sunday was optional, sometimes entertaining but with unwavering focus.
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Netherlands may well be the team with the wooden spoon, but the hosts are not planning to take their foot off the pedal.Amidst overcast conditions, skipperRohit Sharma led his men to the nets after New Zealand wound up their training session.
With spin having a say at the high-scoring venue, most batters preferred to face spin. Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, R Ashwin and Suryakumar Yadav decided to take a break. But those who arrived made good use of their time in the middle.
Rohit, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Iyer and Ravindra Jadeja got down to business as they went for expansive shots. At his home ground, Rahul spent some time with the physio working on his quadriceps before hitting the nets.
PRO TIPS: Jasprit Bumrah shows Mohammed Siraj how to play the pull during training in Bengaluru on Wednesday. (PTI Photo)
While Rohit’s stint at the nets was brief, the balls hitting the stands resonated at regular intervals. Gill, Iyer and Jadeja went after the pace trio of Siraj, Thakur and Prasidh Krishna. The only bowler who they failed to go after was Bumrah, who tested the batters with slower deliveries and worked on a consistent line just outside the off stump. While the players were put through the paces, India head coach Rahul Dravid had a close look at the surface.
India, who have remained unbeaten in eight matches, arrived in the city on Monday. With New Zealand taking on Sri Lanka on Thursday, the Indians will not train until Friday due to the ICC protocols about training venues during the competition.
