IND vs PAK: Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, And Rohit Sharma Put In Intense Practice Ahead Of Blockbuster Asia Cup 2023 Game

As India gears up for their Super Four clash against Pakistan, all eyes will be on the Indian top-order batters facing the Pakistan pace bowlers. Opener Shubman Gill and veteran batter Virat Kohli have put in extra effort in their preparation for the blockbuster match.

Indian top-order batters struggled against Pakistan pacers in their group-stage match, collapsing to 66/4 in Pallekele. Shaheen Afridi dismissed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for low scores, while Haris Rauf took the wickets of Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill.

Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya formed a match-saving 138-run partnership for the fifth wicket to help the team reach a competitive total. However, Pakistan’s bowlers bounced back to pick up the last five wickets for just 27 runs, bowling out India for 266 runs.

Shubman Gill Trains With Left-Arm Throwdown Specialist

During the lead-up to the Super Four match against Pakistan, Shubman Gill spent considerable time working with left-arm throwdown specialist Nuwan Seneviratne. Gill, who has been facing challenges with consistency, focused on counting the threat posed by Shaheen Afridi.

Speaking to reporters in the pre-match press conference, Gill emphasized the importance of having a left-arm side-arm specialist since they don’t often face quality left-arm pacers.

“We’ve right and left-arm side-arm specialists. While we’ve faced left-armers before, it’s the unfamiliarity, especially with teams like Pakistan, that makes it challenging,” Gill remarked.

Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma Sweat It Out In Nets

Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma also engaged in intense practice sessions ahead of the high-octane event in Colombo. Kohli faced bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah’s and Mohammed Shami’s blistering pace, simulating the challenges posed by pacers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf.

The veteran Indian batter worked with throwdown specialists, practicing different lines and lengths to strengthen their techniques and prepare for the upcoming challenge. The batting duo will be hoping to showcase their batting skills to enhance the team’s chance to win the game.

The Rohit Sharma-led team will take on the Babar Azam-led team in their first Super Four stage match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, September 10.

Also read: IND vs PAK: ‘India Will Face Same Kind Of Pressure As Against Pakistan In All World Cup Games’ – Shubman Gill