As the Indian cricket team intensifies its preparations for the Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh, all eyes are on Mohammed Shami as he dedicates significant time with bowling coach Morne Morkel. The training session unfolded at the ICC Academy, a picturesque venue in Dubai, where the entire squad, from captain Rohit Sharma to newcomer Harshit Rana, adhered to strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with no room for optional participation.
Shami’s recent return to international cricket, marked by his performance against England in both T20 Internationals and One-Day Internationals, adds heightened interest to his training routine. Adorned with specialized knee supports to aid his recovery, Shami instinctively positioned himself to assess the playing conditions, initiating his practice with a brief run-up. Despite his careful movements early on, he exuded determination to regain his sharpness, contrasting subtly with his teammates who embraced more vigorous physical drills and engaging activities to enhance their anticipation and decision-making skills.
Before the batting contingent entered the nets, Shami focused on refining his bowling length, moving toward the batter’s end accompanied by Morne Morkel. Their discussion emphasized the critical aspect of bowling length; Shami appeared to articulate his strategy by pointing out a specific area in front of the batter’s crease often referred to as the ideal length zone, measuring approximately 4 to 6 meters. This dialogue underscored Shami's intent to not only master his movement but also manipulate the ball’s trajectory from that strategic length, showcasing his tactical understanding of pace bowling.
Once the batters took their positions, Shami transitioned into full-throttle mode, showcasing speed that occasionally forced batters into hasty defensive actions. Key players like Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer demonstrated their prowess during the batting exercises, sending Kuldeep Yadav and other spinners soaring over the boundary with impressive powerful hits. However, one particularly aggressive stroke from Pandya resulted in a minor mishap when Rishabh Pant sustained a knee impact. Though the incident caused some immediate concern, the quick response from physio Kamlesh Jain and a supportive Pandya ensured that Pant was swiftly attended to. Soon after, Pant rejoined his teammates, ready to continue his practice in full gear.
Virat Kohli, as expected, maintained his focused demeanor throughout the net sessions, while Rohit Sharma radiated positivity, buoyed by his recent triumph and match-winning century against England in Cuttack. Meanwhile, as the primary batters honed their skills, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, and Pant partook in dedicated fielding drills under the guidance of coach T Dilip. Their activity, which included single-action pick-up and throws, suggested a possibility that they may not feature prominently in the forthcoming match against Bangladesh on February 20.
The overall atmosphere during the training was charged with camaraderie and high spirits. An engaging activity involving Kohli and Rohit added an element of levity to the proceedings. In this drill, a tennis ball was sent soaring with a racquet, requiring the first player, donning a helmet, to head the ball, while the second had to stay alert for a potential catch. This creative approach, suggested by strength and conditioning coaches, offered a refreshing alternative to traditional warm-up routines, aiming to stimulate reflexes and instincts among the players.
A well-respected strength and conditioning coach highlighted the rationale behind incorporating such unique game drills. The exercises serve not only as a break from monotony but also enhance alertness and response times, equipping players with the necessary skills for unpredictable match situations.
As the Indian team gears up for what promises to be an intense tournament, these training sessions reflect their commitment to physical and tactical preparedness. The meticulous approach towards refining individual skills, while fostering unity among teammates, underscores their determination to excel at the Champions Trophy. Each practice is a step towards honing their strategies and ensuring that they are primed for the challenges that lie ahead. The investment of time and effort in preparation will undoubtedly play a crucial role as they seek to make an impactful start against Bangladesh.