Mohali: Team India today undertook an intensive net practice session ahead of the al-important ICC World T20 clash with Australia on Sunday.
Left-handed batsman Yuvraj Singh practiced an extended session at the IS Bindra Stadium on Saturday before India take on the Aussies in a match that will determine India’s place in the semi-finals in Mohali.
Yuvraj will have to lift his game by several notches against an improving Australia ahead of the clash between two ferocious rivals. The left-hander, who has been struggling with his form in this ICC World T20, took throw downs from assistant coach Sanjay Bangar for close to an hour.
The batmen who batted for an extra hour in the nets included Ajinkya Rahane, who is yet to hit a good inning in the tournament.
Yuvraj came to bat at the nets after the turn of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Ravinchandran Ashwin.
He batted alongside Rahane, Suresh Raina and skipper MS Dhoni, who mostly faced the slower bowlers and continued even after the trio was done.
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Yuvraj mostly practiced the aerial strokes, both in front and behind the wicket. He last played an international match here in October 2013 when he was out for a duck.
Kohli too batted with determination for close to 45 minutes before heading to the ground for some catching practice. His performance will be crucial to India’s chances, as it was the case against Pakistan.
Pressure will be on openers Rohit and Dhawan to give India a good start after having tough outings in the earlier games. Suresh Raina is another batsman who will be eager to perform after scores of 30, 0 and 1.
The bowlers who spent most time in the nets were Ashish Nehra, Harbhajan Singh and injury prone Mohammad Shami.
After sweating it out, home heroes Yuvraj and Harbhajan readily posed for the handful of fans gathered at the nets. The players trained under the watchful eyes of selectors Vikram Rathour and MSK Prasad.
(With inputs from PTI)
