India’s preparations for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy are in full swing as the team arrived in Dubai for their first major net session on Saturday. The players, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and others, wasted no time getting into action at the ICC Academy.
The mood in the camp was lively, with players smiling, laughing, and undergoing their drills while the coaching staff, including Gautam Gambhir and Sitanshu Kotak, ensured everything was in order. The atmosphere was vibrant, with Rohit encouraging players to “time the ball” and Kohli offering wisdom to the younger players.
Hardik Pandya’s Self-Talk and Tips to Teammates
During a batting session, Hardik Pandya was seen giving himself a pep talk after mistiming a shot. Speaking to himself in Gujarati, he said, “Hardik, yeh bat ke neeche hai. Agar maarna hai toh maar ke ja,” meaning if you’re going to hit, do it properly. Later, Pandya shared some batting tips with Washington Sundar, advising him on body weight transfer for improved shots. His approach, focusing on concentration and technique, exemplified his leadership within the squad.
Aggressive Shot from Rana and Nayar’s Warning
The practice session saw a memorable moment when Harshit Rana executed a stunning shot, earning admiration from Rishabh Pant, who applauded it as a “Shot hai.” However, the aggressive approach of Rana raised concerns with the coaching staff. Abhishek Nayar, concerned about the over-aggression, instructed Rana to tone it down.
Pant, in his playful style, backed Nayar’s directive by jokingly telling Rana to “Let it be.” As India gears up for their first match against Bangladesh and later a high-stakes encounter with Pakistan, the team is focused on refining their skills and preparing for a competitive Champions Trophy.
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