Fresh from a dominant victory in the first match, Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma displayed unwavering focus during a rigorous training session in Raipur. The duo, central to discussions about the team's future, put in a high-octane shift under the floodlights ahead of the second ODI against Sri Lanka.
Net Session Intensity Under Gambhir's Watch
The extended net practice at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium saw both senior batters facing a plethora of deliveries from throw-down specialists. Kohli, in particular, looked in fine touch, tackling the pace of Raghu and the left-arm angles of Nuwan Seneviratne with clear intent. While he middled most balls, a few quick deliveries did beat his bat, highlighting the quality of practice.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir monitored the proceedings intently from a position between the nets. His observant presence added a layer of significance to the session, especially given the ongoing narrative around the team's transition.
A Moment of Curiosity and a Public Appeal
An interesting moment ensued when Kohli, after completing his batting, walked past Gambhir with his bats on his shoulders without any verbal exchange. This brief interaction, or lack thereof, caught the attention of onlookers. In contrast, Rohit Sharma did pause for a brief word with the coach before leaving the arena.
Amidst this, a social media clip featuring former Indian pacer S. Sreesanth has gained traction. In the video, Sreesanth makes a direct appeal to Gambhir, stating, "Roko ko mat roko." He emphasizes that Kohli and Rohit should continue playing ODIs as long as they wish, asserting they are "a thousand times better" than some current alternatives.
The Road Ahead for Team India
With the second ODI scheduled for Wednesday in Raipur, the Indian team holds a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The intense practice and the surrounding chatter underscore the high stakes as the team aims to clinch the series. The performances and roles of Kohli and Rohit remain pivotal to India's immediate plans and their long-term roadmap in the 50-over format.
