Asia Cup 2023: India gear up for Pakistan clash with intense indoor training session in Colombo

The preparations for the India vs Pakistan Super 4 fixture in Asia Cup 2023 are in full swing as the Men in Blue took part in an indoor session in Colombo on Thursday, September 07. The two Asian heavyweights are all set to lock horns with each other for the second time in the tournament on Sunday, September 10 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. 

Ahead of the highly-anticipated fixture, stars such as Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer took part in an optional net session with still three days left in the big game. The biggest positive from the session was the return of KL Rahul, who missed the group stage of the tournament due to a niggle.

According to ESPNCricinfo, Rahul batted without any discomfort and was seen moving well in the throwdown sessions conducted by batting coach Vikram Rathour and throwdown specialist Nuwan Seneviratne. The 31-year-old was being made accustomed to both the right-arm and left-arm angles, considering Pakistan’s varied pace attack. Rahul spent the longest time in the nets to be fully prepared for his much-awaited comeback. However, he didn’t do any wicketkeeping drills, which could be a sign of him playing as a proper batter in the team.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took to X to share glimpses of India’s practice session, where Rahul could be seen going through fitness drills.

Meanwhile, middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer, who also made a comeback to the team in the first game against Pakistan, worked on his weakness against short ball. Notably, Iyer's weakness was once again highlighted as he pulled a delivery straight to mid-wicket against Haris Rauf after scoring 14 off nine balls. 

India will be hopeful for a better show against Pakistan seamers

Indian batters will look to put up an improved performance against Pakistan seamers after their dismal outing in the first game. The Men in Blue were left reeling at 66/4 courtesy of breathtaking spells from Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah. Afridi finished as the pick of the bowlers as he picked up 4/35 in his ten-over spell.

Ishan Kishan (82 off 81) and Hardik Pandya (87 off 90) rescued India’s innings with their massive 138-run stand for the fifth wicket as they got all out for 266. However, there was no further play possible as rain didn’t allow a single ball to be bowled in the second innings, making the two teams share the points.