Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav hogged the limelight during the practice session ahead of the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022 here in Adelaide. Rohit, who had a long knock at the nets on Tuesday, chose not to bat at the nets on Wednesday. He was seen taking a look at the wicket with Rahul Dravid as soon as they reached the Adelaide Oval. Remember it will be a used wicket on which the second semi final will be played. Both the Indian captain and Head Coach were also seen having a word with the groundmen. After looking at the wicket, Rohit was seen having a long chat with Suryakumar Yadav. The Indian captain had a few words of advice as far as the dimensions of the Adelaide Oval is concerned.
Virat Kohli was the first to enter the nets along with Rishabh Pant. Virat was seen taking throwdowns from Raghu and Dayanand. After taking throwdowns for almost 30 minutes, Virat moved to the adjacent nets to face Ashwin, Chahal, Axar and Harshal Patel.
While batting at the nets, Virat suffered an injury scare as he was hit by a Harshal Patel delivery in his groin area. He was down in pain but quickly recovered. A little later he chose not to bat anymore.
Kohli batted confidently in the nets, producing exquisite cover drives and then smashing some shots at the point. He looked in a very aggressive mood as he used his foot to come forward and play one over the bowler.
But the big question doing rounds in the Indian camp is whether to persist with Dinesh Karthik or give Rishabh Pant again a chance in Playing XI vs England. The flamboyant wicketkeeper batter sweated it hard in the nets. Practicing down-the-line shots as he was looking and sounding just on-song with leather coming on his willow with perfect timing. Karthik was seen walking towards the indoors. He returned towards the end of the practice session to bat alone at the nets, suggesting Pant getting another opportunity.
Suryakumar batted for a while at the nets before having a one-on-one session with Paddy Upton.
All the three spinners – Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal bowled in tandem at the nets. Ashwin was seen practicing hitting short ball while Axar too batted alongside him.
As far the pacers are concerned, Mohammed Shami did not come for the practice session. Both standby bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur was seen rolling their arms at the nets.
As far as the last two practice sessions are concerned, India’s likely playing XI will be Rohit, KL Rahul, Virat, Suryakumar, Hardik, Pant, Ashwin, Axar, Bhuvi, Shami and Arshdeep.