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Xtra Time Web Desk: Virat Kohli spent around 45 minutes in the nets, while pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah bowled at full intensity as the Indian cricket team kicked off its preparations for the two-Test series against Bangladesh. The entire squad, including skipper Rohit Sharma and Kohli, gathered at the MA Chidambaram Stadium for a closed-door training session on Friday, with the first Test set to begin on September 19.

This series marks the first home assignment for new head coach Gautam Gambhir. South African legend Morne Morkel, the new bowling coach, and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar were also present. The BCCI shared images from the practice session, showing the team listening attentively to Gambhir and his support staff, with the caption: "The countdown starts as Team India begin their preps for an exciting home season."

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Kohli, who arrived in Chennai directly from London after spending time with his family, is set to play a Test match in Chennai for the first time in three years. He has a solid record at the venue, averaging 44.50 with 267 runs, including a century in his debut Test there against Australia in 2013.

The countdown starts as #TeamIndia begin their preps for an exciting home season.#INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/VlIvau5AfD

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 13, 2024

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The two-Test series against Bangladesh will be Gambhir's first red-ball assignment as head coach. Following the Bangladesh series, India is scheduled to play a three-match Test series against New Zealand before embarking on a five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia. Between September 2024 and January 2025, India is set to play as many as 10 Tests.