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India gears up for a pivotal Asia Cup 2023 Super Fours clash against Pakistan at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday, September 10, a match underscoring the top order's vulnerabilities. In recent years, from the 2017 Champions Trophy climax to the Asia Cup's recent Group A game against Pakistan, India's frontline batters have faltered in defining moments.
Despite acknowledging these frailties, the pattern seemed recurrent as Shaheen Afridi dismantled India's top batters in the first encounter in Pallekele. Afridi's left-arm precision accounted for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, while Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah chipped in with key wickets as well. However, a resurgence led by Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya saw India put up 266, only for rain to intervene.
In their 5-day hiatus after the victory over Nepal, the Indian squad engaged in rigorous net sessions in Colombo.
Shubman Gill's rigorous regimen
Amidst these sessions, Shubman Gill emerged as a focal point. The budding opener, facing a consistency challenge post-IPL 2023, spent extensive time with left-arm throwdown specialist, Nuwan Seneviratne. Gill's preparations seemed geared towards countering Afridi's left-arm menace, having previously felt his wrath.
Discussing Seneviratne's significance, Gill highlighted India's limited exposure to quality left-arm quicks. "We've right and left-arm side-arm specialists. While we've faced left-armers before, it's the unfamiliarity, especially with teams like Pakistan, that makes it challenging," Gill remarked.
KL Rahul, too, was spotted honing his skills across the three training days. With speculations rife, it remains uncertain whether he'll feature in the starting XI.
Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah's Net Face-off
Virat Kohli's earnest preparation was evident as he faced speedsters Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. As Rohit made way, Kohli was next to face Bumrah's blistering pace, simulating the Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf challenge, as per Star Sports.
Both Kohli and Rohit sought diverse deliveries from throwdown specialists, signifying their intent to fortify their techniques.
Adding an unusual twist, bowlers, including Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj, indulged in batting drills. Siraj even showcased his batting stint on social media.
With the World Cup in sight, India aims to offset Pakistan's pace barrage and solidify their standing.
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