The first Test against South Africa was one to forget for Indian skipper and talisman opener Rohit Sharma.
Pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada was in trailblazing form as he scalped Rohit’s wicket in both innings of the opening Test, rendering the skipper speechless. But, this has seemingly sparked a fire in Rohit Sharma, who was present as skipper and batter in equal measure during a two-hour practice session today.
It was also noted that the Indian captain was focused on facing Mukesh Kumar, who bowled only to Rohit for at least 45 minutes, in what seemed to be an attempt to help Mukesh prepare for a possible appearance in the second Test.
Returning all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin were also found to have been bowling in the same nets, but it was understood that the Indian skipper’s complete attention was on the one Test old Bengal seamer, who was requested to bowl in at an angle from length.
Occasionally, Dayanand Garani, the throwdown specialist kept his deliveries fast and full on off stump channel.
“Hawa mein andaar aa raha hai. Par koshish kar angle se andar laane ka,” the skipper told his younger colleague.
Rohit specifically wanted Mukesh to pitch in between 4-6 metre length and the seamer seemed to have impressed the skipper.
When batting coach Vikram Rathour asked him, “Tu is net pe aayega” (would you like to use this one), pointing at the nets exclusively kept for throwdowns, the skipper replied: “Nahi yehin pe aur 10 minute bat karoonga” (No I will bat here for another 10 minutes).
The skipper devoted extra time for Mukesh and it seemed he was giving tips on wrist position and the length that he needs to hit on a regular basis.
Mukesh has been consistently playing domestic cricket and is one of the biggest reasons for Bengal featuring in two Ranji Trophv finals in three years.
In more exciting news for Indian fans, the familiar face of Ravindra Jadeja was back with the team. The enigmatic all-rounder looked completely fit as he bowled and batted comfortably for a considerable amount of time, putting to rest major doubts about his fitness and availability for the must-win second Test.
Jadeja bowled for close to 45 minutes alongside Ashwin, and looked confident with the bat as he played some punchy drives.
Much will be expected out of India in the upcoming second Test, as they rally to save face after their embarrassing defeat by an innings and 32 runs in the first Test.
(with inputs from agencies)
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