In an attempt to stay true to their unique routines during net sessions, India’s Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel on Monday faced spinners while wearing only one pad, a method that inherently involves some
risk. This nearly three-hour optional session at Eden Gardens showcased a method to the madness, as is often the case with unconventional practices.
Left-hander Sudharsan opted to remove his right pad to ensure a significant front-foot stride without any protection on that leg. Despite not playing the Eden Test and being uncertain for a start in Guwahati, this training method required Sudharsan to be extra cautious against left-arm and off-spinners, as batting without a front pad left him vulnerable to blows on exposed areas that could cause fractures.
This old-school training method, where coaches encourage batters to use their bat over their front pad to block deliveries, is designed to counter the tendency of batters to rely on conditioned reflexes. With pads on, players often bring their front pad across as the first defence, leading to front-foot leg-before positions. Removing the front pad during practice forces batters to rely on their bat instead.
Another reason for this drill is the current trend among Indian left-handers to go on the back foot, as they struggle to read spinners from the hand and attempt to play with the turn. The practice encourages them to step out and smother the spin.
Similarly, Jurel was seen without his right pad as he practised the reverse sweep on one of the centre strips. For a right-hander, executing this stroke requires a significant stride forward with the right leg, ensuring correct movement while minimising injury risk.
During the session, head coach Gautam Gambhir closely monitored Sudharsan, who is a potential replacement for Shubman Gill, likely to miss the second Test due to a neck spasm. Sudharsan appeared less confident against pacers, with Akash Deep frequently finding his outside edge, and even net bowlers troubling him with movement. Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had several lengthy discussions with him during breaks.
Surprisingly, only six players attended the optional session, including senior member Ravindra Jadeja, who batted the longest.
With PTI Inputs
