India is all set to kick off their T20 World Cup tournament campaign by playing the only warm-up match against Bangladesh at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Officially they will start the tournament on 5th June against Ireland. Before playing the warm-up match, Indian players were seen practicing hard during their last net session. In that net session, notable moments included Rinku Singh’s batting display and Shivam Dube’s extensive conversation with captain Rohit Sharma.
India’s Net Session Ahead of Warm-Up Match:
India engaged in a rigorous three-hour practice session on Friday morning ahead of their warm-up match. Notably, Virat Kohli was absent from the squad, as he was en route to New York to link up with the Indian team. Kohli opted to extend his break following the conclusion of his IPL 2024 campaign, resulting in his absence from the initial batch of players departing for the World Cup. India commenced their training session with a series of fielding drills, emphasizing both flat and high catches, meticulously overseen by fielding coach T Dilip.
Next, attention turned to the batting nets, where Suryakumar Yadav dedicated ample time to facing throwdowns. Following him, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma stepped up to face deliveries from the likes of Khaleel Ahmed, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Ravindra Jadeja. Notably, the captain even honed his skills in executing the reverse sweep against the spinners, showcasing his adaptability and versatility at the crease.
Rohit Sharma to Guide Shivam Dube:
In an intriguing moment captured by Star Sports, Rohit Sharma engaged in an animated discussion with Shivam Dube during the training session. Their conversation centered on strategic bowling lengths, particularly pertinent due to the unique characteristics of the drop-in pitch at Cantiague Park in New York. Rohit offered valuable insights into the optimal lengths and shot selection for batters, highlighting his leadership and tactical acumen.
Shivam Dube’s selection as an all-rounder in the Indian team comes despite his limited bowling chances during IPL 2024. Classified as a middle-order batter by the Impact Player, he only bowled one over for Chennai Super Kings, grabbing a wicket. Although he showcased his bowling skills earlier against Afghanistan, his role in the IPL primarily focused on batting, yet his versatility earned him a spot in the national squad.
In contrast to Thursday’s light training due to jet lag, Yashasvi Jaiswal, the India opener, engaged in a comprehensive net session, refining his cover drives and pull shots. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya dedicated an extensive period to batting, engaging in frequent discussions with batting coach Vikram Rathour. Rathour provided guidance on aspects like head position, stance, and footwork, emphasizing the importance of technical precision.
Rinku Singh’s Smooth Stride:
Rinku Singh, despite missing out on the T20 World Cup squad selection, showcased his batting prowess during net practice. With selectors favoring four spinners, Rinku finds himself in the reserves. However, journalist Vimal Kumar observed Rinku’s impressive form, noting his fluent strokeplay. This suggests that despite the setback, Rinku remains determined and ready to make an impact if called upon.
As Virat Kohli is expected to miss the warm-up game against Bangladesh due to his late arrival and subsequent jet lag recovery, India may opt to include Rinku in the batting lineup. With Kohli joining the squad on Friday evening, it’s likely he’ll need Saturday to recuperate. This opens the door for Rinku to potentially make a significant contribution with the bat during the match.
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