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Key Points

India's Asia Cup preparations kicked off with intense net sessions in Dubai's sweltering heat. Shubman Gill teased Jasprit Bumrah about his fitness drills while the pace spearhead continued his dynamic fielding practice. Sanju Samson closely observed Jitesh Sharma's wicketkeeping drills as both compete for the sole keeper spot in the playing XI. The session featured competitive batting battles, bowling assessments, and rigorous fitness drills ahead of their opening match against UAE.

Key Points: Gill Teases Bumrah Samson Watches Jitesh as India Asia Cup Prep

  • Gill and Bumrah engage in playful banter during intense net session
  • Samson watches Jitesh's keeping drills amid wicketkeeper competition
  • Team undergoes rigorous warm-ups in shirt-soaking Dubai humidity
  • Bowling coach Morne Morkel monitors Shivam Dube's bowling action closely
2 min read

Stiff legs: Gill teases Bumrah, Samson watches Jitesh's keeping drills as India gears up for Asia Cup

Shubman Gill playfully mocks Jasprit Bumrah's fitness drills while Sanju Samson observes rival keeper Jitesh Sharma during India's intense Asia Cup net session in Dubai heat.

"Stiff legs - Shubman Gill to Jasprit Bumrah (via ESPNcricinfo)"

Dubai, September 6

India began fine-tuning its preparations for the much-anticipated Asia Cup, which will kick off on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi. Some intense battles filled with banter unfolded in the nets when vice-captain Shubman Gill squared off against pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

"Stiff legs," Gill teasingly said as quoted from ESPNcricinfo, while Bumrah darted around the ICC Academy Oval, diving and sprinting. Bumrah jokingly waved Gill away while continuing his drills. Sanju Samson was watching from afar after a 30-minute intense batting session in shirt-soaking humidity.

Samson remained among the players who had several spells in the nets. His stint came alongside Jitesh Sharma, a player he will compete against for the sole wicketkeeper spot in India's playing XI. Samson watched on while Jitesh went through the keeping workout.

Before heading to the nets, the Indian team engaged in warm-up stretches, including shuttle runs, high knees and soft throws. As players moved to the nets, Gill effortlessly sent the ball through the covers off a half-volley. But Bumrah bit back by perfectly nipping the ball back to beat India's vice-captain. The cat-and-mouse contest between the star duo had just begun.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav batted alongside Gill, while searching for his rhythm after recovering from sports hernia surgery. Before them, Jitesh, Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma came out armed with several bats.

Notably, Abhishek rolled his arm and bowled traditional left-arm spin, wrist spin and his backspinner. India's bowling coach Morne Morkel kept a close eye on Shivam Dube's run-up and action.

Apart from Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, India rotated its fast bowlers. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana spent a considerable amount of time doing mobility and fitness drills rather than bowling.

India will kick off their campaign against the UAE on September 10, while the much-debated game against arch-rival Pakistan is scheduled for September 14, with both fixtures set to be played in Dubai. India will play their final group stage fixture against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.

Team India squad for Asia Cup: Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (WK), Harshit Rana, Rinku SinghReserve players: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The wicketkeeper competition between Samson and Jitesh is getting intense. Hope the selectors make the right choice based on current form. Samson has been waiting for his chance for so long!
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Arjun K
Good to see Surya back after surgery. Captaincy plus recovery - hope he doesn't put too much pressure on himself. We need our skipper in top form for the big matches ahead.
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Michael C
Interesting that Abhishek Sharma is working on multiple bowling variations. Could be a useful all-round option. The team looks well-balanced with both pace and spin options.
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Sarah B
The fitness drills for Arshdeep and Harshit show they're taking conditioning seriously. Dubai heat is no joke - proper preparation will be key to handling those tough conditions.
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Vikram M
While the banter is fun, hope the team is focusing equally on strategy. Our middle order still needs work and the death bowling has been inconsistent. Need to address these before the big games.
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Kavya N
So excited for the Asia Cup! The India-Pakistan match on Sept 14 is going to be epic 🇮🇳 The team looks in good spirits and the preparation seems thorough. Best of luck Team India!

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