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On match day -2, India had a peculiar start to their practice session. On Monday evening, the practice schedule released by the BCCI media manager initially stated that the team would practise at 6 pm, but was later updated: “Team India to train from 7 pm at the Wankhede Stadium,” the message read. While many wondered about the reason for the delay, journalists learnt the cause later in the afternoon.
A lunar eclipse meant the team only left the hotel after it ended at 6:40 pm. Clearly, India are taking every possible step to ensure they do not head into the semi-finals with any bad luck.
Here are the highlights of the practice session:
Gautam Gambhir not satisfied with the pitch?
The India head coach was among the first to step onto the field during the practice session. He was seen engaged in an animated conversation with the pitch curator and ground staff. During the discussion, Gambhir repeatedly shook his head and wore a grim expression, frequently pointing towards the surface while speaking to the curator.
Hardik Pandya goes berserk during a three-hour net session
The all-rounder was the first to enter the nets, beginning against side-arm throws before moving from one net to another. He started against the spinners, then shifted to an adjacent net where Ryan ten Doeschate gave him throwdowns, before finally facing the pacers.
Throughout the session, Pandya focused on range-hitting. His relentless strokeplay created a frenzy among journalists stationed near the sightscreen at the media end. His hitting was clean, showcasing a variety of towering straight-bat shots.
Varun Chakaravarthy gets special catching drills but fails to impress
As has been the case in recent practice sessions during the tournament, Varun Chakravarthy underwent an extended catching session with fielding coach T Dilip. He began with high and flat catches before moving to drills using an orange ball to improve sighting and judgement, and concluded with roller catches.
However, Varun failed to hold on to nearly half the chances offered to him. Alongside Kuldeep Singh and now Abhishek Sharma, he has been a concern in the field. While Kuldeep and Abhishek performed well during catching practice, Varun looked scratchy.
Sanju Samson and Gautam Gambhir engage in long conversation
Sanju Samson gave Indian fans a memorable moment in the previous match, batting through the innings before hitting the winning runs in a must-win game against the West Indies.
During practice, Samson went through his routine net session, looked in good touch, and alternated between nets with Rinku Singh and Tilak Varma. One moment stood out in particular — a lengthy conversation with Gambhir.
Suryakumar Yadav gives Varun death-overs simulation
After completing his bowling and catching drills, Varun was the last player batting in the nets, receiving throwdowns from side-arm specialist Raghu. The Indian skipper, Pandya and Ishan Kishan encouraged him from behind the nets.
Surya set Varun a specific run target to chase within six deliveries. Although he missed a few attempts, he launched several hits into the stands, drawing rapturous applause from teammates cheering him on from behind the nets.
IND v ENG: Hardik goes berserk, GG unhappy with pitch?: India’s practice session highlights | LIVE https://t.co/1c4L3AjQEx
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