NEW DELHI: India’s build-up for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan stepped up on Thursday, as the squad completed a strenuous training session despite harsh heat conditions. The match is scheduled to begin on Saturday, and it will be followed by a three-match ODI series.
One of the standout positives from the session was Mohammed Siraj working at near full intensity for close to 25 minutes alongside Prasidh Krishna. With workload concerns often raised after an extended IPL campaign, Siraj’s sharp, high-energy bowling offered a strong sign that the senior pace spearhead is physically ready for the demands of Test cricket.
Pace work in the nets
- Mohammed Siraj bowled with full rhythm and intensity for almost 25 minutes, partnering the session’s pace emphasis with Prasidh Krishna.
- Prasidh Krishna was also part of the key fast-bowling phase, contributing to a demanding environment for the batters.
- Gurnoor Brar, another tall quick, made an impact by generating extra bounce and troubling KL Rahul on a couple of occasions.
- On those moments, Rahul was forced into edges that went away outside the off stump, though he looked settled and comfortable during his stay at the crease.
- Auqib Nabi Dar, the Jammu and Kashmir pacer, spent a considerable amount of time bowling as he concentrated on hitting the right lines consistently, delivering multiple spells with disciplined length and direction.
- Alongside the bowlers, India’s specialist batters—captain Shubman Gill included—used the practice against reserve options to sharpen their preparations for the series opener.
Spin options and Mayank’s fitness focus
- Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey received particular attention during the session, with the team management keen to evaluate his batting as he spent a substantial period time with the bat.
- Dubey bowled alongside fellow left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who remains in contention for a spot in the playing XI.
- Both left-arm spinners worked in adjacent nets under the watch of head coach Gautam Gambhir, allowing the side to assess their bowling together for potential Test usage.
- Fast bowler Mayank Yadav was also present with the squad, but the young pacer—who has faced multiple injury setbacks in recent seasons—kept his workload mainly to fitness and conditioning rather than a longer bowling stint.
