India’s Test captain Shubman Gill has fully shifted back into red-ball mode, putting in a demanding training session at Eden Gardens ahead of the two-Test series against South Africa. Gill, who will lead India in the longest format at home for the first time, spent close to 90 minutes sharpening his technique on Thursday, signalling his intent to return to top form.

The right-hander enjoyed a strong outing in the recent West Indies Tests, scoring a fifty and an unbeaten hundred, but his white-ball form in Australia dipped, with just one notable score of 46 in eight innings. With the red-ball challenge returning, Gill approached the session with clear focus and urgency.

Before padding up, Gill had a detailed discussion with head coach Gautam Gambhir and assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak near the High Court end. The chat appeared to revolve around his approach and technical clarity going into the first Test.

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Gill then joined the squad for slip-catching practice before stepping into an intense nets stint alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. He began against spin, working the ball into gaps and playing low-risk shots against Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. His sweep shot, a key part of his game in home conditions, was also on display.

Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jasprit Bumrah during a practice session at Eden Gardens, Kolkata ahead of the 1st Test between India and South Africa pic.twitter.com/2cdetcSUiu

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The captain later switched to the pace nets, taking on Jasprit Bumrah’s probing lengths, followed by spells from Nitish Kumar Reddy and a few club pacers. A support staff member added variety through high-bounce sidearm throwdowns, testing Gill’s back-foot play.

After an hour in the side nets, Gill moved to the centre wicket for a purposeful 30-minute session under bowling coach Morne Morkel. The former South African quick worked up extra pace and bounce, allowing Gill to rehearse for the challenge the Proteas seamers will pose.

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Yashasvi Jaiswal, coming off scores of 67 and 156 for Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy, also looked fluent during his extended hit, timing the ball sweetly off both front and back foot. South Africa arrive on the back of a gritty 1-1 series draw in Pakistan, adding further intrigue to what promises to be a high-quality Test contest.