After notching up five successive wins in the World Cup, the India team is gearing up for the sixth match. It’s against England in Lucknow on Sunday (October 29). Wednesday’s optional training session at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium was aimed at fine-tuning strategies, and it included a twist — the sight of Virat Kohli the bowler.
All the players, except for Ishan Kishan, Mohammed Shami and the injured Hardik Pandya, attended this session, which reflected the commitment of the team. However, it was the unexpected arrival of Kohli as a bowler that drew maximum attention and became the highlight of the day.
Captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid and batting coach Vikram Rathour commenced the day’s activities with a close examination of the pitch. While Ravichandran Ashwin engaged in a solitary 15-minute jogging session, Shubman Gill warmed up with slip catching drills. After that, the team gathered for a huddle, signalling the beginning of preparations for the game against England.
Kohli started the session with throwdowns but his involvement did not end there. He was soon seen bowling to Rohit and Gill. With Pandya unavailable due to an ankle injury, it would be interesting to see who takes up the role of the sixth bowler.
Rohit faced Kohli’s deliveries with finesse, showcasing his adaptability and skills in handling anything thrown at him. Gill, one of the rising stars of Indian cricket, was next in line, and he confidently received Kohli’s deliveries.
While looking for a sixth bowling option is crucial, to see Kohli as a bowler is a clue of what might come. When Pandya got injured during the match against Bangladesh in Pune, it was Kohli who finished that over. Gill and Suryakumar Yadav bowled off-spinners for a good 15-20 minutes each, hinting that the Men in Blue are open to exploring more options.
As the Indian team prepares to face England, the unexpected involvement of Kohli as a bowler underscores the team’s commitment to a cause and willingness to push the boundaries. Crucial times call for crucial calls. Here, the Indian team seems to be thinking of one.