IND vs SA, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: How Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli & Others Prepared During Net Session At Eden Gardens

Add as a preferred source on Google

Team India is set to face off against South Africa in an ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 league match at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday (November 5). In anticipation of this high-stakes clash between the table-topping teams, both squads engaged in an optional practice session at the ground on the eve of the match.

South Africa, who arrived in the vibrant city of Kolkata early, conducted their practice session during the daytime. South African Captain Temba Bavuma also took the opportunity to interact with the media, shedding light on his team's journey and preparations leading up to the much-anticipated showdown in Kolkata.

Answering the media questions, Bavuma said on his team's journey in the tournament, "There's a lot of excitement within our group. I guess the excitement of the occasion of playing here at Eden Gardens, quite a lot of history about the ground.

"But obviously I think the more important one is coming up against India, who are an in-form side. We are an in-form side and we look forward to the opportunity to test our skills against this Indian team."

Later in the day, eight members of the Indian squad made their way to Eden Gardens for their optional practice session. Among those spotted were Captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishan Kishan, and Shardul Thakur.

After their usual routine of playing football for warm-ups, Kohli and Gill were the first ones to enter the nets and dedicated time to facing left-arm pacers in order to prepare for the challenges posed by in-form Marco Jansen.

Later, they turned their attention to left-arm spinners, including teammate Ravindra Jadeja and some net bowlers, to ready themselves for Protea spinners Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj.

Later in, Suryakumar and Rohit engaged in some throwdowns before facing the left-arm pacers and spinners in the nets. Ravindra Jadeja, who takes on an even more critical role in the absence of fellow all-rounder Hardik Pandya, worked diligently in the nets to fine-tune his skills. Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav will be leading India's spin bowling attack against the Proteas.

The batsmen focused on their defensive techniques to counter the deliveries from left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj. Kohli, who is set to celebrate his 35th birthday, even attempted some attacking shots against the spinners in the nets, all under the watchful eyes of Coach Rahul Dravid, who has his own memorable moments at Eden Gardens, and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar.

India head coach Rahul Dravid, while addressing the media at Eden Gardens, threw light upon his team's preparations and also lauded his boys for putting up a good show. I think things are going pretty well. Played seven good games of cricket. And the team is playing really well. We know we are up against a team that is also playing some good cricket in this tournament.

"So, we are really looking forward to this game tomorrow and it is always a great privilege and a pleasure to play in the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. So, as a team we are really looking forward to the game tomorrow," said the former Indian captain.

Overall, Team India spent a little over an hour in the nets on the eve of their match against South Africa, making sure they are in the best possible shape for this crucial encounter. The world awaits this exciting clash at Eden Gardens, and both teams seem to be leaving no stone unturned in their preparations.