Intense Optional Practice Session Sets Stage for Guwahati Test
While most of the Indian team had retreated to the dressing room after nearly three hours of assorted drills, Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar continued their rigorous training under the watchful eyes of coach Gautam Gambhir at Eden Gardens. The scheduled fifth day of the Test match saw an optional practice session that revealed the team's serious preparations for the upcoming Guwahati Test against South Africa.
Extended Drills Focus on Technical Refinements
Long after groundsmen had cleared the nets and sweepers had cleaned the practice area, the Tamil Nadu duo engaged in specialized close-in catching drills. Washington Sundar practiced low catches from first slip position while Sai Sudharsan worked on his short-leg and silly point reflexes using an inclined object resembling wheel chokes. Their dedication was such that the support staff eventually had to coax them to end their extended session.
The practice session, held on November 18, 2025, also featured other team members including Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Devdutt Padikkal. However, it was Sudharsan who remained the center of attention throughout the intense net session, batting under the constant gaze of coaches who frequently lined up to offer advice.
Potential Recall and Technical Adjustments
With Shubman Gill's participation in the Guwahati Test uncertain, Sai Sudharsan emerges as a strong contender for a recall to the playing eleven. The left-handed batsman had scored an impressive 87 runs against West Indies in his last Test appearance but lost his spot in the Eden Gardens match due to team composition changes.
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had previously identified areas for improvement in Sudharsan's technique, particularly his tendency to play even very full balls on the back foot. During this session, Akash Deep tested him repeatedly with hard-length balls targeting his body, a known vulnerability that England seamers had exploited earlier. While Sudharsan defended comfortably on the back foot during practice, he occasionally struggled when Akash Deep bowled fifth-stump lines, resulting in a few edges.
Coaching Staff's Intensive Supervision
Coach Gautam Gambhir maintained intense scrutiny throughout the session, moving between nets with meticulous attention to detail. He observed batsmen from various angles and frequently engaged in discussions with Sudharsan, along with other coaching staff including Kotak, Morne Morkel, and Ryan Ten Doeschate.
Morkel, whose bowling action resembles South Africa's Marco Jansen, provided valuable practice against left-arm seam bowling. He later switched to bowling off-breaks, successfully rattling Akash Deep's stumps twice while also giving Dhruv Jurel thorough batting practice.
Washington Sundar bowled an extensive spell, testing Ravindra Jadeja's techniques against spin. Jadeja, who faced multiple net spinners on a relatively benign surface, showcased his sweeping and cutting abilities while occasionally attempting reverse sweeps. Later, Washington himself batted aggressively, displaying the attacking flair reminiscent of his Chepauk performances rather than his defensive approach during the actual Test match.
As the session progressed, the initial tension seemed to ease, indicating the team's determination to move forward from the recent defeat with renewed confidence for the Guwahati encounter.
