Rohit Sharma typically provides light-hearted solutions during press conferences and forward of India’s Asia Cup opener in opposition to Pakistan, one other of his statements evoked laughter when he was requested about dealing with the in-form Pakistan’s tempo trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf.

“Look, we don’t have Shaheen, Naseem and Rauf in our nets,” Rohit mentioned. “We practice with the bowlers we have. They are all quality bowlers, and they are performing well together for some time.”

Opting to bat in pairs, when it comes to batting order, Shubman Gill was the primary to face Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami, with Rohit on the different finish. As quickly as Gill was achieved, he briskly made his approach to the enclosed nets simply behind the dressing rooms. Soon after, Rohit and Shreyas Iyer, who was the fourth participant to participate within the open drills, additionally adopted the identical routine.

Even as India’s throwdown specialists Nuwan Seneviratne and Dayanand Garani stored the batters busy, batting coach Vikram Rathour tried to copy Naseem by going extensive of the crease and getting the ball to maneuver in and jag away viciously together with his throwdowns. Even so, Gill watched a few balls on his bat earlier than unleashing the reduce and the pull; his trademark short-arm jab was additionally on present.

Meanwhile, Rohit unleashed an array of strokes within the nets, with the sound of bat on ball echoing within the empty stadium. There have been additionally the picture-perfect punch down the bottom, and drives by means of cowl. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s Match Day preview on the eve of India’s sport in opposition to Pakistan, Sanjay Manjrekar, although, had a phrase of warning for each Rohit and Gill.

“Rohit and Gill – [in fact] more Gill than Rohit – have to be careful about their front foot, coming not too much across the line allowing [Afridi’s] late swing and speed to trap him in front,” he mentioned.

Iyer, subsequent in line within the nets, proceeded to assault the primary ball he confronted – getting the proper stride ahead and drilling one by means of cowl. The reduce, straight drives and swivel-pulls have been on show, as India’s possible No. 4 confirmed good contact upon return from a long-standing again damage. Kohli, although, didn’t go for the throwdowns.

Earlier within the day, Pakistan confirmed their XI in opposition to India – it was an unchanged aspect from the one which beat Nepal within the opener – with all three of Afridi, Naseem and Rauf that includes in it. Both Naseem and Rauf are but to play an ODI in opposition to India – by the way, Afridi had made his ODI debut in opposition to Afghanistan within the 2018 Asia Cup – however will likely be eager to make an influence once more, as they face a possible high 4 of Rohit, Gill, Kohli and Iyer.