In the second match of India’s three-Test series against New Zealand in Pune, commentators took a moment to highlight the training routines of the current Indian squad, contrasting them with those of past players.
The conversation began with a focus on Virat Kohli’s net session habits. His former teammate for India and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Dinesh Karthik, alongside former coach Ravi Shastri, shared insights into Kohli’s commitment to practice. According to them, Kohli typically divides his net sessions: one part facing net bowlers, and another part working with India’s support staff—slingers, coaches, and other specialists—to simulate various types of bounce and movement.
Shastri then drew a comparison to another legendary Indian cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar. Recalling Tendulkar’s enthusiasm during practice, Shastri, who was commentating for JioCinema, described Tendulkar as having “ants in his pants” during his early years. Shastri explained, “After he finished his batting in the nets, he would immediately pick up a ball to bowl or dive into fielding drills. He was never still.”
A Mumbai native himself, Shastri played with Tendulkar early in the latter’s career and later returned to the Indian team as head coach during Kohli’s captaincy. Kohli’s disciplined, structured training contrasts with Tendulkar’s boundless energy, yet both approaches have brought them incredible success for India.
Kohli, currently slotted in the iconic number-four position that he and Tendulkar have held with such impact, is expected to play a vital role as India seeks to recover from their opening match defeat to New Zealand in Bangalore. The Kiwis, meanwhile, were at 201-5 at tea on day one, with Washington Sundar taking two quick wickets to set up an intense end to the opening day’s play.
