Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant engaged in playful banter with coach T Dilip during a lively practice session before India’s first Test in England.
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Rishabh Pant: Young Indian Squad Brings Energy and Focus to First Headingley Practice Ahead of England Test
The Indian cricket team, which landed in Headingley on Tuesday, wasted no time getting to work as players and coaching staff participated in their first full practice session ahead of the series opener against England on Friday. After two warm-up games against the England Lions and one intra-squad match, the action now shifts to Leeds—where the real test begins. With two scheduled practice sessions, the first is already in the books.
Despite missing stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Cheteshwar Pujara, this new-look Indian squad exudes a refreshing sense of ease and energy. The young and relatively inexperienced group appeared more relaxed and engaged than usual, perhaps benefiting from the absence of expectation and baggage. On Wednesday, the practice session kicked off in a lively manner, with what Cricbuzz described as a scene reminiscent of gully cricket—complete with sledging and laughter.
Fielding coach T Dilip opened with a light-hearted direct-hit challenge, dividing players into three groups. Rishabh Pant even jokingly accused Dilip of favoritism: “Arre who toh lefty hai, usko left mein hi khada karoge.” The session saw some impressive throws from Prasidh Krishna, Karun Nair, and Kuldeep Yadav. But once the drill ended, the mood shifted to game-mode.
Later, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant—confirmed as India’s No. 4 and 5—took their turn in the nets. Karun Nair, also in the mix for a top-order role, had a tough moment when a delivery from Prasidh struck him in the abdomen, leaving a red mark just below the ribs. Fortunately, it was nothing serious, and Nair brushed it off with a smile.
As the Headingley Test draws near, India’s young side seems ready—fired up yet light-hearted, blending fun with fierce focus.
Unplayable Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah once again stole the spotlight during India’s net session at Headingley. The pace spearhead, who has already confirmed he won’t feature in all five Tests, showcased why his presence will be sorely missed in the matches he skips. With the red Dukes ball in hand, Bumrah unleashed a fiery spell that had even his own teammates—Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant—jumping and hopping at the crease.
Among all the batters, it was captain Shubman Gill who looked the most composed against Bumrah’s relentless accuracy and movement. Gill’s solid defence and calm temperament stood out as he confidently blunted Bumrah’s testing deliveries—something not many could manage. Sai Sudharsan and KL Rahul, in contrast, struggled to find answers to the pacer’s spell of near-unplayable balls.
Adding a warm touch to the intense session, England head coach Brendon McCullum and India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel were seen sharing a friendly embrace—perhaps a nod to mutual respect and the battles to come.
