Birmingham: Whatever may be their present relation it was a welcome sight here Friday to see head coach Anil Kumble giving ‘throwdowns’ to skipper Virat Kohli during the training session of the Indian team here Friday.
The last few days the media has been rife with the rumoured ‘rift’ between two of Indian cricket’s greatest superstars – one present and one past. The BCCI had tried to downplay the incident Thursday through joint secretary Amitabh Chaudhary, but it was quite clear that he had ‘rehearsed’ well before facing the media.
The last leg of Team India’s run-up to the ICC Champions Trophy has been rocky, thanks to the reported coach-captain split. Both however, made an effort to put the differences behind them with a show of unity.
With inclement weather denying the team a chance of outdoor nets, most of the top batsmen were seen taking throwdowns for a considerable period of time.
With four nets adjacent to each other, the focus of attention was the first one where skipper Kohli was a picture of concentration. However, the snap of the session was Kumble giving throwdowns to the captain. Even if there was any discomfort between the reportedly ‘warring duo’, it was not evident in their body language during the session.
The worrying factor for the Indians, however, is the weatherman who has predicted showers Sunday during the game. With the game against Pakistan, their first in the tournament, the Indians want a full match and not a rain-curtailed one. “A shortened game provides the weaker team an equal opportunity of winning,” said a member of the team on conditions of anonymity.
Formers of both the sides have predicted India start strong favourites in the game. Pakistan’s cause has suffered a bit with left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz being declared doubtful for the game. Riaz has a knee problem and during Friday’s session here was seen moving around with a heavily-strapped right knee. He also did not bowl at the nets.
In case they miss out on the services of Riaz, Pakistan may include in the playing XI youngster Fahim Ashraf who has been christened ‘New Afridi’ because of his hitting prowess lower down the order.
PTI
