Shreyas Iyer, the Indian middle order batter, was seen rolling his arms in the nets at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on July 31, ahead of the highly anticipated opening ODI match against Sri Lanka. The 29-year-old part-time spinner demonstrated his off-spin bowling skills during the practice session, adding a new dimension to his game as the Men in Blue prepared for the series.
Iyer has bowled a total of 125 deliveries in international cricket but is yet to claim a wicket. However, he has been more successful in domestic and league cricket, where he has taken 10 wickets. His bowling practice comes at a crucial time, especially after T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh impressed with their part-time bowling performances in the final T20I against Sri Lanka, each taking two wickets in their one-over spells.
New Coaching Dynamics Under Gautam Gambhir
The training session was conducted under the watchful eye of newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has made a significant impact since taking charge. Gambhir led the Indian team to a clean sweep, winning the T20I series 3-0 against Sri Lanka. His coaching style has encouraged players to diversify their skills, and Iyer’s bowling practice is a testament to this approach.
Iyer’s last appearance for India was against South Africa, where he scored a solid 52 runs. He has been a consistent performer in ODIs, amassing 2383 runs in 54 innings at an impressive average of 49.65, including five centuries and 18 half-centuries. With a formidable middle order that includes KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Shivam Dube, Iyer is expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming series.
Virat Kohli and Team’s Intense Training Session
In addition to Iyer’s bowling, former captain Virat Kohli was also seen training with intensity, aiming for a strong comeback. In a video shared by the BCCI on August 1, Kohli was spotted hitting a six off a delivery from Kuldeep Yadav, showcasing his readiness for the series. Gambhir observed Kohli closely, impressed by his form and determination.
Kohli spent considerable time discussing strategies with Gambhir, while captain Rohit Sharma also looked sharp during the practice, facing deliveries from Kuldeep and Harshit Rana. The team’s preparations are in full swing as they aim to start the ODI series on a high note.
Looking Ahead: India vs Sri Lanka ODI Series
The three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka kicks off on August 2, and the Indian team is eager to build on their recent T20I success. With players like Shreyas Iyer honing their skills and Virat Kohli looking to make an impactful return, fans can expect an exciting contest.
As the Men in Blue gear up for the series, the combination of Iyer’s newfound bowling prowess and the batting strength of Kohli, Sharma, and others could prove pivotal in securing victories against Sri Lanka. The upcoming matches will be a test of skill and strategy as India aims to assert its dominance in the ODI format.
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