Team India began their preparations for the two-match series against Bangladesh in Chennai on Friday.

This will be India’s first Test series under new head coach Gautam Gambhir and his support staff and it would be interesting to see how they face a rejuvenated Bangladesh side, riding a wave of enthusiasm following their 2-0 series win in Pakistan.

All 16 members of the squad were present on the opening day of the conditioning camp. The first Test gets underway on September 19. While all the players, including captain Rohit Sharma, had assembled in Chennai on Thursday, Virat Kohli joined them directly from London early on Friday morning.

While all the players, including captain Rohit Sharma, had assembled in Chennai on Thursday, Virat Kohli joined them directly from London early on Friday morning.

The opening Test will be Kohli’s first at home in 18 months after missing the series against England because of personal reasons.

There was no let up in intensity as Rohit’s men began their session around 9.30am. Kohli spent about 45 minutes in the nets, while pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah bowled full tilt during the four-hour closed-door training session, pictures of which were shared by the BCCI on X.

Rohit addressed the group in a huddle and was one of the first to go to the nets and take a hit. He was joined by Kohli as the two of them faced a series of net bowlers on specially prepared pitches — one had grass while the other two had footmarks along the short and good length areas — at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal also batted for a long time in the nets.

Yash Dayal, who is being groomed with the hope that he will play a part in the
Border-Gavaskar Trophy, had a long session under the watchful eyes of new bowling coach Morne Morkel and Gambhir.

South African Morkel joined the players at practice along with assitant coaches Abhishek Nayar and and Ryan ten Doeschate. T. Dilip, who was retained as fielding coach, was also there.

“The countdown starts as Team India begin their preps for an exciting home season,” BCCI captioned the images of the team huddle on social media.

The World Test Championship (WTC) points are at stake in the series as India get ready for a gruelling 10-match Test season, which also includes a three-Test series at home against New Zealand and the five-match series in Australia.

India are currently heading the WTC table with 68.52 percentage points.