Fun, Focus, and Fierce Training: India Keep Intensity High Ahead of Super Fours
The Indian cricket team might have already sealed their spot in the Asia Cup Super Fours, but there’s been no drop in intensity — or energy — at their training sessions. On Tuesday evening at the ICC Academy in Dubai, the atmosphere was a blend of banter, high spirits, and serious preparation, as the players pushed through a four-hour session in sweltering conditions.
A Lively Fielding Drill with a Football Twist
The session kicked off with a unique fielding drill disguised as a penalty shootout, where players took turns guarding a makeshift goalpost. Fielding coach T Dilip fired flat catches to the left and right of the "goalkeeper," with each player getting five attempts.
Hardik Pandya entertained his teammates early on, joking, “Great fielders don’t dive” after pulling off a screamer. But when three sharp chances followed, all were put down, drawing laughter and a playful scorecard from the coach. As Tilak Varma stepped up, Arshdeep Singh turned part-time commentator, yelling "Chala bagundi!" ("Well done" in Telugu) after each save.
Bumrah’s Banter and Intensity in the Nets
Next in line was Jasprit Bumrah, who couldn’t resist a wisecrack: "Point again, coach? Reel content coming for you guys!" — a nod to the stunning catch he took against Pakistan to dismiss Saim Ayub.
While the fielding drills were full of camaraderie, the tone sharpened during the net sessions. Batters who hadn’t seen much game time — Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya — spent extended stints in the nets, while the top order unleashed big hits into the trees and beyond.
Coach Gautam Gambhir and assistant Ryan ten Doeschate closely monitored proceedings, with a sharp eye on every player's routine.
Rinku Singh Faces Stern Test
Rinku Singh endured a particularly tough session, tested by Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh, and later by Bumrah, who gradually built up to full pace. While Rinku dealt confidently with anything on the pads, he struggled against the hard lengths and bounce. Eventually, he peeled off his gloves and cooled down with sprints.
Wrapping Up with Cake and Laughter
The day wrapped up with a birthday celebration for captain Suryakumar Yadav, who cut a cake brought in by the travelling Indian media. Kuldeep Yadav and several support staff joined in the light-hearted moment, capping off a taxing but spirited session.
A Stark Contrast in Pakistan’s Camp
Just a few metres away, the Pakistan team’s training session told a different story. Still unsure of their Super Fours qualification, the mood was quiet and focused, with no media engagement allowed near the ropes.
Head coach Mike Hesson led a serious team huddle before drills began. The team trained under the lights from 8 PM to 11 PM, likely to beat the heat, but the intensity was no less demanding.
Hesson paid close attention to Saim Ayub’s technique, particularly his back-foot play, after his soft dismissal to Hardik Pandya in their previous clash. Mohammad Haris went through additional drills, while pacer Haris Rauf, yet to feature in the tournament, bowled with purpose and aggression — perhaps making a case for selection.
With India set for a rest day on Wednesday, Pakistan will return to action for a must-win clash against UAE, where their Asia Cup future hangs in the balance.