Xtra Time Web Desk: The Indian cricket team had an optional training session at the Guyana National Stadium on Saturday ahead of the 2nd T20I against West Indies. Captain Hardik Pandya did not turn up but the others sweated it out. The likes of Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson made full use of the batting session. Among the pacers Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan and Umran Malik bowled full tilt at the nets while all three spinners Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzuvendra Chahal bowled in tandem.
The Men in Blue will be looking to bounce back after their four-run loss in the first T20I at the Brian Lara Stadium. But more than just a win, the team management would seek a few answers to their batting order issues after the collapse in first T20I. Chasing a modest target of 149 runs, the Indian batting order failed to live up to the expectation, losing the match by 4 runs off the last delivery.
So, what were the key points of Saturday’s optional practice session of Indian cricket team. Focus was on both openers Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan as they walked out to bat first at the nets. Both openers failed to get going as they got out cheaply. Ishan and Shubman were seen making a conscious effort to bat positively at the nets, trying to play some aggressive shots while defending the good balls against Umran Malik, Arsdeep Singh and Avesh Khan in one net and facing the spinners in the other nets.
Next to walk into the nets was Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. Surya played an uncharacteristic innings of 21 from 21 deliveries. Sky was at its best, playing some improvised shots against the bowlers. He had a long chat with batting coach Vikram Rathour. Tilak Varma batted with confidence after which he went straight to Head Coach Rahul Dravid, discussing finer points on his batting.
Sanju Samson, might just get another opportunity in the second T20I game on Sunday. He was seen playing some big hits while batting. Yashasvi batted at the other net while Sanju had a knock. Later towards the end of the practice session Samson was seen practice hitting sixes along with Ishan Kishan.
Among the pacers Arshdeep Singh was seen practicing bowling yorkers towards the end of the practice session. The left arm pacer was seen trying to get his yorkers right while Umran Malik observed where the umpire stand. Bowling coach Parash Mhambrey had a long discussion with Arshdeep, Avesh Khan and Umran Malik.
Overall, it was an intense training session with the focus on specific roles for each player. The second T20I will start at 10:30 am local time.