Indian opener KL Rahul is under the scanner for not being able to cross the 25-run mark in the last 10 innings. Amidst widespread criticism, Rahul was determined to work on his flaws as he sweat it out in the nets for hours on February 27. But on the eve of Indore Test, Rahul did not turn up for optional practice.
Waiting on the ringside like a tag-team wrestler in WWE, Shubman Gill is waiting for for the tap to get into the action against wounded Australians. Gill was seen fine-tuning on February 28 morning after a gruelling session on the day before.
He batted against left-arm spinners, left-arm pacers (to counter Mitchell Starc threat) throwdown speciallist Raghu Raghavendraa and even made head coach Rahul Dravid bowl a few overs of off-spin. He had conversations with Dravid about specific aspects of his batting and moved from one net to other till the time he was satisfied with the result
Skipper Rohit Sharma turned up to practice alongside Shreyas Iyer as they attended teammate Shardul Thakur’s wedding on February 27. While Rahul is hoping for one more chance to save his place and silence the critics after getting stripped of vice-captaincy ahead of third Test, Gill may open alongside Rohit on Day 1 if India win the toss.
"I spoke about it after the last game as well. Players who are going through a tough time, given their potential they will be given enough time to prove themselves,” Rohit told the reporters during pre-match press conference.
"Being vice captain or otherwise doesn't tell you anything. At that point in time he was the vice captain. His removal as vice captain doesn't indicate anything."
Rohit did not want anyone to read between the lines and kept the cards close to his chest.
"As far as Gill and KL Rahul are concerned, that is how they train before any game. Today was optional training session for the entire group. Whoever wanted to come they came. As far as (playing) 11 is concerned, I would like to do it at the toss. I prefer it that way considering last minute injuries are a possibility," the 35-year-old said kept the suspense till the end.
