NEW DELHI: India\u2019s build-up for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan intensified on Thursday, as the squad completed a strenuous training session even under harsh heat. The match is scheduled to start on Saturday, with a three-game ODI series to follow thereafter.<\/p>\n
A key takeaway from the session was Mohammed Siraj showing no signs of fatigue as he bowled at full intensity for close to 25 minutes alongside Prasidh Krishna. With questions often raised about player workload after a long IPL campaign, Siraj\u2019s rhythm and energy offered a strong signal that the senior fast bowler is fit and prepared for what lies ahead.<\/p>\n
Beyond Siraj and Prasidh, tall pacer Gurnoor Brar also stood out during the practice. The seamer produced sharp bounce and managed to trouble KL Rahul on a couple of occasions, with the batter edging deliveries that went away outside the off stump. Even with those scares, Rahul appeared composed and comfortable during his time at the crease.<\/p>\n
Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi Dar also spent a substantial portion of the session in the nets. His work centred on repeating the same lengths and lines, as he bowled multiple spells with an emphasis on accuracy and consistency.<\/p>\n
At the same time, India\u2019s specialist batters\u2014captain Shubman Gill included\u2014took advantage of the session, facing reserve bowlers as the side continued to sharpen its skills ahead of the series opener.<\/p>\n
A prominent focus of the training was left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey. The team management also seemed to want a closer look at Dubey\u2019s batting, with the youngster spending a considerable amount of time practising with the bat.<\/p>\n
Dubey and left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who remains in the mix for a spot in the playing XI, worked in nearby nets under the supervision of head coach Gautam Gambhir. Their contributions could prove important in shaping India\u2019s spin combination for the Test.<\/p>\n
Fast bowler Mayank Yadav was also part of the squad on Thursday. However, given the injury issues he has faced in recent seasons, the youngster\u2019s focus was primarily on fitness and conditioning drills rather than a longer bowling spell.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
NEW DELHI: India\u2019s build-up for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan intensified on Thursday, as the squad completed a strenuous training session even under harsh…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":14002,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"IPL News: Siraj Training Boost Ahead of India vs Afghanistan","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"India ramp up training for the IND vs AFG Test as Mohammed Siraj bowls at full intensity\u2014ODI series follows soon in a packed schedule.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14003","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n