The Indian cricket team held an intense training session ahead of their match against New Zealand, focusing on preparing for spinners. Star batsman Virat Kohli faced bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, while pace bowler Mohammed Shami displayed his skills. Bowling coach Morne Morkel rejoined the team after a personal matter and observed the players closely. Shubman Gill missed practice, but Rishabh Pant, recovering from an illness, participated. India, having already reached the semifinals, is favored to win the Champions Trophy due to their spin-heavy lineup and strong performance in Dubai, where all games are held.
The Indian cricket team underwent an intense training session on Wednesday, with prominent batsman Virat Kohli dedicating significant time to face spinners. This practice coincided with bowling coach Morne Morkel’s return to the team after addressing a personal matter back home. Kohli faced bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja during the session and invested over thirty minutes batting against net bowlers in preparation for the upcoming match against New Zealand on Sunday. Veteran pace bowler Mohammed Shami also showcased his skills, generating significant swing and striking Kohli on the pads twice, while Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh displayed determination to perform at their best.
Under Morkel’s experienced supervision, all bowlers appeared sharp and fully prepared for the challenge posed by New Zealand.
Morkel had to leave the Indian camp shortly before the team’s opening match of the Champions Trophy against Bangladesh on February 20.
The former South African pacer engaged in an extensive discussion with head coach Gautam Gambhir while the players completed their warm-up exercises at the ICC Academy.
Shubman Gill, who has emerged as India’s standout batter in the tournament, was the only player absent from practice.
The BCCI media manager reassured that there was no cause for concern regarding Gill’s absence.
Rishabh Pant, having recovered from an illness, trained on Wednesday alongside the rest of the team.
India enjoyed a couple of days off after a resounding victory over Pakistan in their second group match and has advanced to the semifinals from Group A, alongside New Zealand.
Both teams are set to meet in their final group match on March 2.
India, who last claimed the Champions Trophy in 2013, are favored to win the title, given their spin-heavy squad composition and their current performances in the tournament.
All of India’s matches are being played in Dubai, where the pitch has been slow and has thus far favored spinners.
Due to the hybrid format of the tournament, India stands out as the only team competing at a single venue, a situation that former England captain Michael Atherton has critiqued as an undeniable advantage for Rohit Sharma and his team.
While Pakistan is the tournament host, India will also host the final in Dubai should they qualify.
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