With the Indian team management deciding to have an optional training session on the eve of the much-anticipated match against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, teh flamboyant all-rounder, Hardik Pandya had skipped it. Apart from that, mentor MS Dhoni was seen having some lengthy discussions with the premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah.
The likes of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav also focussed on enhancing batting skills as did the likes of Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja. Interestingly, Shreyas Iyer was also seen spending quality time at the nets even as Ishan Kishan was nowhere to be seen.
In the bowling department, most of the bowlers were seen bowling in short bursts to stay fresh for Sunday’s crucial opening encounter in the showpiece event. Bumrah was in fact the last one to bowl during the net session as he was discussing strategies with the mentor.
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Earlier, skipper Virat Kohli on Saturday said that all-rounder Hardik will be able to bowl a couple of overs for the side at some stage, but his ability with the bat is priceless and there is no substitute for that.
💬 💬 We are confident in terms of execution of our plans.
Captain @imVkohli on #TeamIndia's approach ahead of the #T20WorldCup opener against Pakistan. #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/BiMug1gfUh
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 23, 2021
During the pre-match presser, Virat said, “Well, I honestly feel that Hardik Pandya presently with his physical condition is getting better in terms of being prepared to bowl at least two overs for us at a certain stage in this tournament and we strongly believe we can make the most of the opportunity we have at our hand till the time he starts bowling. We have considered a couple of other options to chip in with overs so we are not bothered about that all.”
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He further explained, “What he brings at number six for us is something that you cannot create overnight. Hence, I was always in favour of backing him as a batter in Australia purely and we saw what he did in the T20I series and how he can take the game away from the opposition. We understand the value he brings to the team as a number six batter and it is important to have such players who can play impact innings. For us, that is way more valuable than forcing him to do something that he cannot at the moment, he is motivated and he is keen to start giving us a couple of overs to us.”
