India's Star Batters Prepare for ODI Series Against New Zealand

Intensive Training Session Ahead of ODI Series

On Friday, senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma showcased their skills during a demanding training session in preparation for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, set to commence on Sunday.

Following this ODI series, the Indian team will enter an extensive T20 season, which includes a five-match series against the Kiwis, the T20 World Cup, and the Indian Premier League.

Kohli and Rohit dedicated approximately 90 minutes to practice against Indian pacers, spinners, and throw-down specialists, having recently participated in two matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Kohli, who scored 77 and 131 in his last two domestic matches, faced off against both spinners and pacers with intensity. He encountered some challenging variable bounce from the throw-down specialists during one of the net sessions.

Notably, India's middle-order stalwarts Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant, along with pacer Mohammed Siraj, were absent from this three-hour training session, as they had played for their respective state teams in the Vijay Hazare Trophy the previous day.

The trio is expected to join the team later on Friday evening.

Captain Shubman Gill also participated in his training drills and batting practice in the nets, feeling at ease after missing the last two T20Is against South Africa in December due to a toe injury.

The team had previously trained at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi on Thursday, which is set to host its inaugural men's international match.