As the Indian cricket team prepares for the upcoming second Test match in Kanpur, intriguing developments have unfolded during their training sessions. Under the stewardship of head coach Gautam Gambhir, a trend has emerged where several batsmen are taking turns to showcase their bowling skills, a sight reminiscent of the team’s recent tour of Sri Lanka. Now, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is joining the ranks of those experimenting with bowling, raising questions about his potential role in the match.
Will Rishabh Pant Bowl in Kanpur?
The pitch at Kanpur is known for aiding spin bowlers, a factor that could play a crucial role in the Indian team’s strategy. With established spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja already part of the squad, there’s speculation about additional spin options. Shubman Gill has been seen practicing off-spin, while Yashasvi Jaiswal has been working on his leg spin. However, given that Pant already carries the dual responsibilities of wicketkeeping and batting, it seems unlikely that he will take the ball in this Test. Reports indicate that during their first training session, both Pant and Gill arrived last, hinting that their primary focus remains on their batting and catching skills rather than bowling.
What Transpired in the First Training Session?
The first training session took place on September 25, where the Indian team arrived around 12 noon. Young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, and Sarfaraz Khan were among the first to hit the nets. Captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli joined later, spending minimal time in practice initially before Kohli made a more significant return to focus on his batting after facing some bowling from Akshar Patel, struggling at times against deliveries from Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah.
Excitement filled the air during Kanpur’s first net practice session! pic.twitter.com/8fhjlKZLfI
— Vimal Kumar (@Vimalwa) September 25, 2024
During the session, Jaiswal emerged as a standout performer, garnering attention from Rohit Sharma, who spent a considerable amount of time mentoring him. Notably, Pant and Gill’s late arrival did not overshadow the camaraderie that defined the session, as star bowlers like Bumrah, Siraj, Ashwin, Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav all participated actively. The atmosphere was light and cheerful, highlighted by playful interactions between Jadeja and Kohli, emphasizing a team spirit ahead of the critical match.
