Jasprit Bumrah clashes with Rishabh Pant ahead of Manchester Test in eye-catching banter

Ahead of the do-or-die fourth Test against England in Manchester, starting on July 23, the Indian cricket team had their only practice session at the Kent County Cricket Ground, where Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah stole the show with their witty banter.

As reported by the PTI, the Indian players looked a bit worn out after a tiring one-hour bus ride from London to the Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham. But once they arrived at the calm and scenic facility in Beckenham, the mood in the Indian camp quickly brightened.

India's preparations for the Manchester Test begin with music and laughter

The atmosphere around the Indian dressing room was lively, with a mix of music from Hanuman Chalisa to English pop and some energetic Punjabi tracks creating the perfect background for the players to chill and enjoy their day in Beckenham.

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The report suggested that the Indian players enjoyed a more relaxed training day in Beckenham, keeping things light and easy before the fourth Test, which is a must-win game for the touring side to keep their hopes alive in the ongoing five-match Test series.

"Aaj Duggal Ji Behere Hain": Jasprit Bumrah’s banter with Rishabh Pant

Meanwhile, India’s vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah added to the cheerful vibe, as the duo engaged in a playful banter with the journalists who were tracking the training session from a distance in Beckenham.

In one funny moment from India’s training session at the Kent County Cricket Ground, a journalist tried to talk to Rishabh Pant from afar, but the Indian wicketkeeper couldn’t hear him properly as he replied, “Kuch Sunai Nahi De Raha Hain” (I can't hear anything).

Instantly, Jasprit Bumrah jumped in with a witty line, as he jokingly said, “Aaj Duggal Ji Behere hain” (Today he’s playing deaf), a cheeky reference to a line from a popular Bollywood film, ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi,’ starring Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, and Priyanka Chopra. The Indian pacer’s hilarious reaction left everyone in splits in Beckenham.

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Rishabh Pant skips batting, Jasprit Bumrah avoids bowling in Beckenham

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah were seen only going through light warm-up drills during India’s training session. Both players also spent some time working out in the gym but didn’t take part in any intense match-related activities.

Pant, who is currently recovering from a finger injury, stayed away from batting practice. However, it is being said that the left-handed batter will recover in time for the upcoming fourth Test match against England at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester.

On the other hand, Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj didn’t bowl during the session either in Beckenham, possibly due to their workload management plan by the team management, especially with the high-pressure fourth Test just around the corner.

Well, all the Indian players, except KL Rahul, travelled to Beckenham for the training. It remains to be seen whether Bumrah will be rested for the crucial Manchester Test.