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Xtra Time Web Desk: It was a special moment for 22-year-old Nakul Umesh as he had the opportunity to spend some time with none other than Virat Kohli. Nakul was among several other net bowlers who were at the Chinnaswamy stadium during Team India’s training session on Friday. Nakul, who plays cricket for second division club Bangalore cricketers had the opportunity to bowl at Virat in the Indian nets. It is not the first time the young fast bowler who hails from ISRO layout discussed cricket with Virat. During Royal Challengers Bangalore’s training session on April 8 in IPL 2023, Nakul had a brief chat with Kohli. The star Indian batter suggested Nakul how to handle pressure. Much to the surprise of Nakul, Virat recognized him at the practice session. After a few minutes the other net bowlers also joined and Kohli posed for a group photograph.

The Men in Blue had a rigorous training session under the lights ahead of taking on Netherlands in their last league game of ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup on Sunday, November 12. Rohit and his boys have already qualified for the semis as the table toppers. The hosts will look to remain unbeaten ahead of facing New Zealand in the first semi-final at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on November 15.

The entire squad turned up for the practice session barring the exception of Ishan Kishan. The practice session began with the foot volley game. Virat, KL Rahul, Shubman, Shardul and Shreyas were in one side while the likes of Suryakumar, Ashwin, Prasidh Krishna, Siraj formed the other team.

Captain Rohit Sharma was seen having a close look at the wicket along with Head Coach Rahul Dravid and selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar. The Indian captain walked into the nets first to bat. He was soon joined by Shubman Gill in the adjacent nets. Both were seen playing some aggressive strokes. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul walked into the nets next followed by Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer. All the top six batters were seen playing some aggressive strokes against the likes of Shami, Bumrah and Siraj. Kuldeev Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin were not spared as well.

The Indians will have an optional training session in the afternoon from 2pm.