The Indian cricket team ramped up its preparations for the second Test against Australia with an intense net session at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday. With skipper Rohit Sharma taking on a double shift and key players putting in substantial hours, the visitors looked determined to fine-tune their strategies for the Pink Kookaburra challenge.
Rohit Sharma: Leading from the Front
Rohit Sharma showcased immense dedication, arriving an hour earlier for the session alongside Rishabh Pant and the support staff. The Indian captain focused on his technique, leaving deliveries on length and effortlessly pulling anything short. His extended time at the nets signals a tactical shift, with strong indications that Rohit may bat lower down the order to accommodate the in-form opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul.
During the nearly four-hour session, Rohit shared the nets with Pant, facing a mix of throwdowns from Nuwan Seneviratne and sharp deliveries from specialists Raghavendra and Dayanand Garani.
India’s Batting Line-Up Takes Shape
The practice session provided a glimpse of India’s probable batting order:
- Openers: Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul
- Middle Order: Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma
- Lower Order: Rishabh Pant, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar
Virat Kohli Faces a Test
Virat Kohli, a key figure in India’s batting line-up, was tested by reserve pacers during the session. Bengal’s Mukesh Kumar impressed with his ability to move the ball in the air, posing challenges to Kohli, while Akash Deep kept Shubman Gill on his toes with probing deliveries.
Bowling Department Shines
India’s fast-bowling reserves made a strong impression, with Harshit Rana, the team’s new pace sensation, bowling briskly under the watchful eyes of Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel. The Bengal duo of Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep added depth to the session, providing valuable practice for the batters.
Fans Soak in the Action
The open session turned into a treat for the Australia-based Indian fans, who enjoyed a close-up view of their heroes in action. Their cheers added vibrancy to the practice session, boosting the morale of the players.
