New Delhi: As the countdown to the first Test against Bangladesh narrows, Team India is immersing themselves in rigorous practice under the intense Chennai sun at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. With the match just around the corner, less than two days away, the Indian players’ focus and determination have visibly surged. This escalating intensity was palpable during Monday’s practice session, where fielding coach T Dilip introduced a unique fielding drill aimed at sharpening their skills.

Fielding is a pivotal aspect of cricket, crucial in any format of the game for saving runs and making crucial dismissals. The demand for agility and energy is paramount when pursuing the ball. After honing their batting and bowling techniques, the Indian team engaged in a competitive fielding drill, captured in a video shared by the BCCI on their social media platforms.

In this video, prominent players like Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal participated in specialized drills, positioning themselves at slips and short leg to test their reflexes and proficiency in taking low catches. Meanwhile, wicketkeepers Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel concentrated on keeping drills. The highlight of the session was when coach Dilip divided the team equally to simulate match conditions.

Dilip explained that the primary objective of this drill was to maintain high intensity and focus, rather than dwelling on missed catches. Abhishek Nayar, the batting coach, played a crucial role in facilitating this exercise by hitting balls for the fielders to catch. The drill culminated in a competitive format where teams were assessed based on the number of catches missed, with the fewer misses determining the winning side.

This vigorous preparation comes as part of India’s campaign in the ongoing 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle, which includes 10 Tests. The series against Bangladesh marks the beginning of this extensive Test schedule, with two matches slated from September 19 to October 1. Following this series, India will host New Zealand for a three-match series commencing on October 16.

The excitement doesn’t end there; the team will then travel to Australia for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This series, featuring five Tests from November 22 to January 7, promises to be an exhilarating spectacle for Test cricket enthusiasts.

In essence, Team India is not just preparing for an upcoming match but gearing up for an intensive period of Test cricket that will test their mettle and resilience in various conditions against formidable opponents.