Virat Kohli joins Team India’s training session ahead of WTC final | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India’s batting sensation and former captain, Virat Kohli, joined the national team’s training session on Monday at the picturesque Arundel Castle Cricket Club. Kohli’s return to the squad has bolstered hopes for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at the Oval, scheduled from June 7 to 11.
Accompanying Kohli in the training session was left-arm seamer Jaydev Unadkat, who seemed to have made a full recovery from a left shoulder injury that had kept him on the sidelines. The duo’s active participation in the practice session was a welcome sight for the team management and fans alike.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared pictures of the team members, including Kohli, as they began their preparations for the highly anticipated WTC Final in England. Alongside Kohli, pacers Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Siraj were seen donning their new training kits and engaging in a light jog. Meanwhile, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin showcased his skills by rolling his arm over at the nets.
“Team India members begin their preparations for the WTC23 at Arundel Castle Cricket Club,” BCCI said in a tweet.

During the training session, Jaydev Unadkat was spotted deep in conversation with head coach Rahul Dravid and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, indicating the team’s focused approach and strategizing ahead of the crucial encounter.
Cheteshwar Pujara, who has been honing his skills by playing for Sussex in the English county circuit, also arrived at the training ground, further strengthening the squad’s preparations.

The Indian team’s contingent for the WTC Final has been gradually assembling, with Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur being among the first batch of players to arrive. Captain Rohit Sharma and promising Mumbai opener Yashasvi Jaiswal have also reached the venue.
The final batch, consisting of Ravindra Jadeja, Shubman Gill, Mohammad Shami, KS Bharat, and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, are scheduled to depart on Tuesday following the conclusion of the IPL final in Ahmedabad.
It is worth mentioning that Yashasvi Jaiswal was included in the squad as a stand-by player after Ruturaj Gaikwad informed the BCCI about his wedding on June 3-4. This serves as a testament to the team’s depth and preparedness for any unforeseen circumstances.

India’s quest for redemption in the World Test Championship comes after their runners-up finish in 2021, when they succumbed to a defeat against New Zealand in the final held in Southampton. Eager to clinch the coveted title this time, the Indian team is leaving no stone unturned in their preparation.
Due to the ongoing English County Championship and the ICC’s jurisdiction, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is not obligated to arrange warm-up matches for the visiting team. As a result, India will rely on their training sessions and individual practice to acclimatise to the English conditions ahead of the crucial encounter.
The WTC Final is expected to be a gripping battle between two cricketing giants, and all eyes will be on the Indian team as they strive to etch their names in the history books by claiming the prestigious title.
(With inputs from PTI)