Rahul Dravid works on Virat Kohli's strokes as Indian cricketers prepare for the first test in South Africa
Indian cricketers are sweating for the third day in a row at Centurion ahead of the three-game test run in South Africa. In a series of photos BCCI shared on Monday, head coach Rahul Dravid was spotted spending time with test captain Virat Kohli, possibly fine-tuning it for the opening holiday friendly game beginning December 26 at SuperSport Park in SuperSport Park. Kohli hasn't been at his threatening best in the last two years, especially in red ball cricket. He has played 26 in the last 13 Tests he has played, with a high of 74. For record, Kohli's career average on tests is still above 50. The last time the talisman right-handed made an international century was in November 2019 in the day-night test against Bangladesh.
Kohli, who took a brief hiatus after India's exit from the Super 12 stage at the T20 World Cup, would be eager to return to its prime and help India win its first series of tests on South African soil. And who better than ex-Captain Dravid to talk about hitting ahead of a tough overseas tour.
In the absence of seasoned Rohit Sharma, who was excluded from the three-game series due to an Achilles tendon injury, the Indian test captain will also be responsible for piloting the Indian ship against Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje.
The photos shared by BCCI showed the Indian pace battery at full speed while bowling. Big names like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur and Ishant Sharma bowled in the nets.
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India's wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, Rishabh Pant honed their posture skills and hit the nets as well. The young Priyank Panchal, who was drafted into the squad to replace Rohit, worked on his stroke in training. There are now reports that the first test at Centurion will likely take place behind closed doors due to COVID-19 concerns in South Africa.
Only some suite owners and delegates can watch the game live, although the current COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the government allow 2,000 fans, according to the African weekly newspaper "Rapport", as quoted on the website "news24".