NEW DELHI: Indian cricketing stalwart Virat Kohli has set social media abuzz with his remarkable fielding efforts in the buildup to the highly anticipated first Test between India and New Zealand.
A recent video shows Kohli engaged in high-intensity slip-catching drills alongside KL Rahul on Monday, with the duo working hard to fine-tune their reflexes.
During the session, Kohli pulled off a brilliant low catch to his right, drawing laughs between the two cricketing stars.
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The practice video offers a glimpse into the focused preparation of India’s key players as they gear up for the three-match Test series, beginning on October 16 at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
With Kohli and Rahul both looking to regain their peak form, their sharp fielding efforts suggest the team is leaving nothing to chance as they aim to maintain their dominance in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.
Nevertheless, preparations hit a snag, as heavy rain on Tuesday morning washed out India’s practice session.
With forecasts predicting rain across the week, the weather could play a major role in the series opener.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert across parts of Karnataka, warning of possible disruptions during the first two days of the match.
The weather could be a decisive factor, especially considering recent matches. India’s previous Test in Kanpur against Bangladesh saw multiple delays due to rain but ended in a home victory.
New Zealand, meanwhile, faced similar challenges on their tour to the subcontinent, with their scheduled game against Afghanistan in Greater Noida abandoned due to poor drainage.
India enter the series with momentum, following a 2-0 series win over Bangladesh, while New Zealand hope to bounce back from a 2-0 defeat in Sri Lanka.
The hosts currently sit atop the WTC table, while the Kiwis, the reigning 2021 WTC champions, find themselves in sixth place, hungry for a turnaround.