Unconventional Training Method at Eden Gardens
In a display of old-school cricket training, Indian batters Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel employed a risky single-pad approach during their net session at Kolkata's Eden Gardens on Monday. The nearly three-hour optional practice saw both players facing spinners while wearing only one protective pad, a method designed to improve their technique against turning deliveries.
The Logic Behind Single-Pad Batting
For left-handed Sudharsan, removing his right pad served a specific purpose: encouraging a bigger front-foot stride without leg protection. This forced the batter to rely more on his bat than his pads when defending against spinners. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and head coach Gautam Gambhir closely monitored the young left-hander throughout the session.
The traditional training method addresses a common problem among modern batters - the tendency to use the front pad as the first line of defense, often resulting in leg-before-wicket positions. Without pad protection, batters must use their bats more effectively and develop better foot movement.
Individual Focus Areas
While Sudharsan worked on his forward defense against left-arm and off-spinners, wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel practiced reverse sweeps without his right pad. For right-handed Jurel, this drill ensured proper movement execution while minimizing injury risk during the demanding stroke.
The session revealed some concerns as Sudharsan appeared less confident against pace bowling, with Akash Deep repeatedly finding his outside edge. Even net bowlers troubled him with movement, prompting extended discussions with Gambhir and Kotak during breaks.
Selection Scenarios Unfold
With regular opener Shubman Gill likely to miss the second Test in Guwahati due to neck spasms, Sudharsan emerged as a potential replacement. However, his position remains uncertain despite the specialized training attention.
The team management made a significant move by calling up all-rounder Nitish Reddy from the India A series against South Africa A in Rajkot. Reddy arrived in Kolkata on Monday evening but didn't participate in the net session.
Only six players attended the optional practice, with senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja batting the longest. The low turnout highlighted the optional nature of the session ahead of the crucial second Test match.
Team sources indicated that while Gill will travel with the squad to Guwahati, his participation appears doubtful given the stiffness in his neck. This development opens potential opportunities for both Sudharsan and Reddy in the playing eleven.
