Fresh off a strong performance in the ODI series against South Africa, star Indian batsman Virat Kohli has immediately switched his attention to the forthcoming three-match ODI battle against New Zealand. The Indian squad gathered in Vadodara to commence their preparations, with Kohli arriving at the national camp in a visibly relaxed and jovial mood, setting a positive atmosphere for the series opener.
Light-Hearted Kohli Keeps Team Spirits High
The senior batter was in his element during the training session. He was seen cracking jokes, exchanging high-fives with fellow players, and sharing laughs as the team eased into its practice routines. Kohli's cheerful presence maintained an upbeat environment, reflecting the confidence within the camp following recent successes.
This easygoing vibe was perfectly captured during a net session when Kohli briefly turned entertainer. Noticing left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh beginning his run-up, Kohli playfully mimicked his distinctive style, exaggerating the strides and movements for comic effect. This spontaneous act drew immediate laughter from teammates, lightening the intensity of the practice momentarily.
Rigorous Preparation Underpins Relaxed Exterior
While the mood was light, the seriousness of the preparation was clear. Both senior batters, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, appeared in good form during a rigorous training session held on Friday. The upcoming ODI series, starting on Sunday, signals the beginning of a demanding period for the team. This will be followed by a packed T20 season including a five-match series against New Zealand, the T20 World Cup, and the Indian Premier League.
Kohli and Sharma batted for nearly one-and-a-half hours, facing Indian pacers, spinners, and throwdown specialists. This followed their recent outings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Kohli, who scored 77 and 131 in the domestic tournament, handled both pace and spin confidently, though variable bounce from one practice net offered a brief challenge.
Team Updates and Player Availability
Middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, and pacer Mohammed Siraj were not present for the three-hour session. The trio had represented their state teams in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Thursday and are expected to join the squad later in the evening.
India's captain for the series, Shubman Gill, completed his training drills without any visible discomfort. He batted in the nets after recovering from a toe injury that had sidelined him for the final two T20Is against South Africa. The team also trained at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi on Thursday, a venue poised to host its first-ever men's international match.
