Xtra Time Web Desk: The Indian cricket team had an optional training session at the Super Sport Park in Centurion on Saturday, December 30, 2023. All eyes were on captain Rohit Sharma who looked focussed while batting in the nets. In a bid to prepare well against Kagiso Rabada, Rohit specifically wanted Mukesh Kumar to pitch in between 4-6 metre length and the Bengal pacer seemed to have impressed the skipper. The Proteas pace spearhead got Rohit out in both innings of the first test at Centurion.
Rohit batted for about 45 minutes, facing Bengal seamer Mukesh Kumar along with Ashwin and Jadeja. Mukesh was asked to bowl in at an angle from length. Dayanand Garani, the throwdown specialist was also categorically instructed by the Indian captain to keep the on off stump channel. The Indian captain was also seen sharing some tips to Mukesh on his wrist position and ideal lengths.
Left arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja appeared to have fully recovered as he bowled and batted comfortably for an extended period. However, there was an injury scare for Shardul Thakur, who received a hit on the left shoulder while batting. Yashasvi Jaiswal appeared a bit scratchy, audibly expressing frustration at times, while his competitor Abhimanyu Easwaran looked promising in the nets but may not displace Jaiswal in the opening slot.
Prasidh Krishna, who had an unimpressive outing in the first test was focused on finding the right lengths for South African conditions under the watchful eye of bowling coach Paras Mhambrey. The lanky fast bowler from Karnataka was seen having a long discussion with Head Coach Rahul Dravid as well. Mhambrey was seen marking the areas where to bowl on South African pitches
The Indian team will travel to Cape Town on Sunday for the second and final test match starting at the Newlands stadium from January 3, 2024.