Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian cricket team is leaving no stone unturned to mount a comeback in the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town, commencing on January 3. Leading the optional practice session on New Year’s Day was Virat Kohli who was the cynosure of all eyes as he faced a local left arm pacer in a bid to prepare well against Proteas left arm quicks Nandre Burger and Marco Jansen. Both Burger and Jansen troubled the Indian batters with Burger picking 7 wickets in both innings in Super Sport Park.
Kohli, who did not participate in the optional training in Centurion on Saturday, December 30, led the team’s drills and net session in Cape Town, displaying enthusiasm for the new year’s challenges. Head coach Rahul Dravid oversaw the preparations, including a centre-wicket training at Newlands. Notably, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Yashasvi Jaiswal skipped the training but were part of the optional session in Centurion on December 30.
Kohli was seen having a long discussion with Dravid after looking the 22 yards which had a lot of grass left on it. The interaction went on for 20 minutes before Kohli walked into the practice wicket adjacent to the strip on which the New Year Test will be played. After observing the wicket, Kohli walked into the nets. Both he and Shubman batted together in the nets as they faced the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar and Ravichandran Ashwin. The duo also faced a local left arm pacer, to prepare well for the challenges posed by Burger and Jansen.
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Shreyas Iyer was seen practicing against short ball thrown at him from 18 yards. He was struck by a rising delivery from left arm throwdown specialist Nuwan. After taking treatment Iyer was back in the nets. KL Rahul also had an extended session in the nets.
Despite an injury scare, Shardul Thakur is reportedly fit for the second Test. Avesh Khan, drafted in as Mohammed Shami’s replacement, joined the team after an impressive performance for India A
India’s track record at Newlands, having never won in six Tests, poses a challenge, with the team looking to improve their standing in the upcoming match. The visitors will have another training session on Tuesday afternoon on the eve of the second Test which gets underway from Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
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