India’s preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 are in full swing, with the squad hitting the ground for an intense training session at the ICC Academy in Dubai. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the team looked in high spirits as they honed their skills ahead of the marquee tournament. The training session on February 16 saw key players like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh, among others, engaging in rigorous drills.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, along with assistant coaches Sitanshu Kotak and Abhishek Nayar, closely monitored the proceedings, ensuring the players fine-tuned their techniques. Despite the pressure of an international tournament, the mood in the Indian camp remained lighthearted. Before the session kicked off, players were seen joking and laughing, adding a touch of camaraderie to the practice.
However, once the drills started, the focus was sharp, with Rohit Sharma leading from the front. He was heard instructing a teammate, saying, “Time the ball. If you beat that cover fielder, it’s a boundary,” setting the tone for the session.
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The training session also highlighted some interesting moments, particularly during fielding drills. Rohit Sharma took charge, using a racquet to hit balls in the air for catching practice. In one humorous instance, a player, wearing a helmet, misjudged the ball, which deflected off his head and was caught by Virat Kohli—much to the amusement of the entire squad.
Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar kept the intensity up, reminding players, “There are three nets in the centre. If you need extra work, you’ve got two nets out back.” Players made full use of the setup, with Kohli and Rohit sharpening their strokes while Shami and Arshdeep worked hard in the nets, focusing on their bowling rhythm.
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Hardik Pandya, always known for his energy, stole the spotlight with a self-motivating pep talk. After mistiming a shot, he fired himself up, saying, “Hardik, yeh bat ke neeche hai. Agar maarna hai toh maar ke ja” (This one hit the bottom part of the bat. If you want to hit it, hit it well). His competitive spirit was evident throughout the session.
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As the day wrapped up, young pacer Harshit Rana provided a stunning finish, smashing a straight six, earning Rishabh Pant’s excited approval: “Shot hai!” However, Abhishek Nayar, emphasizing discipline, urged him to keep the ball down, to which Pant cheekily replied, “Let it be.”
With such lively and intense practice sessions, Team India appears well-prepared for the upcoming Champions Trophy, blending hard work with a healthy dose of team spirit.
