Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 16 (ANI): As the anticipation builds for the first Test match against Bangladesh, India’s cricket team, led by the iconic Virat Kohli, secured a victory in a fielding competition during their practice session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

This upcoming two-match Test series is set to commence on September 19 in Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, with the second match scheduled to start on September 27 in Kanpur.

In a video released on the official social media platforms of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), India’s fielding coach T Dilip shared insights on the team’s rigorous preparation for the first Test match against Bangladesh. The practice session was structured to maximize team cohesion and fielding skills, despite the challenging humidity in Chennai.

Coach Dilip explained that the team was divided into two groups for mini-catching competitions. Kohli’s group emerged victorious by committing fewer errors. “Today’s focus was on team unity and maintaining high intensity despite the heat. We had two segments: a competition drill and catching sessions. Virat’s team won by making fewer mistakes,” Dilip stated in the video.

The session also included specialized drills for different types of fielding. During the second drill, players practiced both outfield and infield catching. Bowlers and all-rounders were assigned to stations focusing on attacking ground fielding, while the batters worked on their skills in the slip cordon and short-leg positions.

Reflecting on the overall session, Dilip praised the team’s high intensity and adaptability to the hot conditions. “It was fantastic, especially given the weather. The commitment and energy levels throughout all sessions were commendable,” he added.

Currently, Team India leads the World Test Championship (WTC) standings with a point percentage of 68.52. Their forthcoming WTC series includes two home Tests against Bangladesh, three home Tests against New Zealand, and five away Tests against Australia.

The Indian squad for this series comprises: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, and Yash Dayal.

The Bangladesh squad includes: Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Jaker Ali Anik. (ANI)