India's captain, Rohit Sharma, put in a double shift during an extended net session at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday, where fans added a lively atmosphere to the nearly four-hour practice. Signs point to Rohit moving down the batting order to allow Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, who are in excellent form, to continue opening the innings. During the session, Rohit displayed determination while tackling the Pink Kookaburra under challenging conditions.
The practice area featured four nets, each bustling with activity. Jaiswal and Rahul alternated in one net, while Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli took turns in the second. Rohit, sharing the third net with the dynamic Rishabh Pant, focused on honing his technique. The final net saw Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar sharpening their skills.
Judging by the setup, this appeared to be India's batting lineup from No. 1 to 8. However, Rohit arrived an hour earlier, accompanied by Pant and support staff, to prepare rigorously. Known for his meticulous approach, the skipper faced a barrage of throwdowns from side-arm experts Nuwan Seneviratne, Raghavendra, and Dayanand Garani. Rohit carefully left deliveries that demanded restraint, but instinctively pulled anything short with ease.
For Indian fans in Australia, watching the open session was a treat, offering an up-close view of their cricketing idols. It felt like being in a candy store, with the nets buzzing with energy.
The session also highlighted the prowess of Bengal's fast-bowling duo, Akash Deep and reserve pacer Mukesh Kumar. Mukesh showcased his ability to swing the ball in the air, giving Virat Kohli a tough time, while Akash posed challenges to Gill, who looked solid in response. Meanwhile, Harshit Rana, India's emerging pace talent, impressed with his sharp bowling, likely earning praise from his mentor Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel.
The practice session was a promising display of India's preparation and depth, setting the stage for an exciting contest ahead.