IND train hard after Kolkata defeat ahead of Guwahati Test

India wasted no time returning to the training ground after their 30-run defeat to South Africa in the opening Test in Kolkata. With the match ending inside two-and-a-half days, the hosts used the unexpected break to resume preparations for the second and final Test in Guwahati, starting Saturday, November 22.

Gambhir Leads Focused Training Session at Eden Gardens

On Tuesday morning, several players and members of the support staff, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, were spotted at Eden Gardens making the most of the extra days.

Captain Shubman Gill, who is recovering from a neck injury, did not train, but the rest of the squad had an extended session under clear skies.

Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja spent considerable time in the nets, facing Akash Deep, Washington Sundar and local Bengal bowlers brought in for the session.

India’s loss in Kolkata came after a collapse during the chase of 124, with South African spinners Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj and part-timer Aiden Markram dismantling the batting order on a dry surface India themselves had requested.

Interestingly, groundstaff were watering the training pitches on Monday — a contrast to the preparation ahead of the first Test, where the Test pitch was deliberately kept dry to aid turn from Day 1.

Sai Sudharsan Makes Statement in the Nets

One of the major talking points was Sai Sudharsan, the left-hander left out of the first Test. Wearing his trademark headband, he was seen middling balls fluently and attacking the fast bowlers with renewed vigour.

Videos from journalist Kushan Sarkar showed the Tamil Nadu batter batting confidently, intensifying speculation around his possible inclusion for the Guwahati Test.

Meanwhile, Washington Sundar — who played at No. 3 in Kolkata — bowled long spells at Jadeja, keeping India’s spin workload ticking ahead of the next match.

Gill Unlikely for Second Test

Shubman Gill, discharged from the Kolkata hospital where he was being treated for a neck injury suffered during India’s first innings, remains doubtful for the Guwahati Test. With the injury requiring hospitalisation, the management may avoid rushing him back.

If Gill misses out, Sai Sudharsan is the leading option, but India may hesitate to load the XI with too many left-handers, especially given how Harmer dominated them earlier.

In the first Test, India fielded six left-hand batters — a first in their Test history — including spin-bowling all-rounders Jadeja, Sundar and Axar Patel.

Right-Hand Options on Standby

India may turn to domestic performers such as Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sarfaraz Khan or Ruturaj Gaikwad, all currently featuring in the ongoing Ranji Trophy round. Each offers a right-handed alternative against the South African off-spin threat.

New Venue, New Conditions in Guwahati

Guwahati will host a men’s Test match for the first time. The early sunset in the northeast has prompted alterations in session timings, with tea scheduled before lunch to avoid poor light interruptions.

The surface remains the biggest unknown of the series, and with the title on the line, both teams are expected to make strategic adjustments.