With the Champions Trophy fast approaching, a fully prepared Indian cricket team began its training at the ICC Academy practice ground in Dubai, setting the tone for an intense tournament. The training session, which saw all players in attendance, was held under the strict enforcement of the new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring that every member, from senior players like Rohit Sharma to newcomers like Harshit Rana, participated without exception.
One of the key areas of focus during the session was Mohammed Shami’s bowling preparation. Having recently returned to international cricket after an extended injury layoff, Shami appeared determined to fine-tune his skills under the watchful eye of bowling coach Morne Morkel. Wearing stretchable knee caps for added support, he began by delivering a few balls off a short run-up, carefully assessing the conditions. Though he initially seemed cautious with his strides, he gradually found his rhythm. As others engaged in physical drills and light-hearted warm-up exercises, Shami walked over to the batter’s end, where he had an intense discussion with Morkel about adjusting his length. He pointed to a particular spot outside the batter’s crease, suggesting that he was trying to extract movement from the good length area (4m to 6m region).
Once the batters took their positions in the nets, Shami bowled with full intensity, testing them with his pace and accuracy. His deliveries hurried the batters, signaling his growing confidence as he continued to push himself. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer showcased their aggressive intent, dispatching Kuldeep Yadav and other spinners for big shots over the boundary. However, an unexpected incident briefly interrupted the session when a powerful shot from Pandya struck Rishabh Pant on the knee. The wicketkeeper-batter appeared to be in discomfort, prompting the physio Kamlesh Jain to attend to him, while Pandya himself rushed over to check on his teammate. Fortunately, the injury was minor, as Pant soon padded up again and resumed practice without any further issues.
Virat Kohli, as always, displayed unwavering focus, treating his net session with utmost seriousness. Rohit Sharma, fresh off a match-winning century against England in Cuttack, seemed in high spirits, displaying his usual elegance and sharp footwork at the crease. Meanwhile, players like Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, and Pant, who were likely not in contention for the opening game against Bangladesh on February 20, were seen engaging in separate fielding drills with coach T Dilip. Their session involved quick pick-ups and throws, ensuring they stayed sharp despite not being part of the immediate playing XI plans.
Adding a touch of fun to the day’s training, the team engaged in an innovative warm-up drill designed to break the monotony of traditional pre-match routines. A unique game saw one player, wearing a helmet, heading a soaring tennis ball sent by either Rohit or Kohli using a racquet, while another player had to anticipate and catch it after the unpredictable deflection. The game, though seemingly playful, served a broader purpose of enhancing players’ reflexes and quick decision-making, as the ball could bounce unpredictably in any direction.
The energy within the squad was palpable, with players enjoying the session while maintaining their competitive edge. The rigorous training, mixed with moments of camaraderie, reflected the team’s focus on achieving peak form ahead of their crucial first game. With the combination of tactical discussions, skill refinement, and team bonding, India’s preparation for the Champions Trophy opener appeared to be well on track.
