India vs New Zealand: Shubman Gill turns up the volume at Eden Park; Virat Kohli opts for gym, Rohit Sharma stays indoors

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (BCCI Photo) AUCKLAND: Volume has always been the key word when it comes to Shubman Gill’s match preparations. Be it IPL, ODIs or Tests, there is no compromise when it comes to the number of deliveries he faces, the sprints he completes or the big hits he unleashes.It was no different at Eden Park on Monday, where the Indian captain had another marathon net. It started with soft throws and culminated in an extended session in the field with spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutul. For nearly three hours, Gill, who missed Sunday’s session, made the most of the morning and ensured he achieved his required workload.While fast bowlers Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi were rested after the previous day’s long games, the combination of local spinners and fast bowlers worked hard as Gill and KL Rahul, the only two designated batsmen to appear at the nets, took batting practice.Mid-wicket remained the focus of most of the action, Rahul started his game by donning the big gloves. The veteran wicketkeeper-palter spent nearly 15 minutes collecting bounces from Dayanand Garani and Nuwan Seneviratne before stepping up to bat alongside Gill.Both batsmen faced deliveries for almost a minute before sprinting to the other end to make way for their partner. Practice continued as Bahutule watched the proceedings closely from behind the bowler’s arm.A handful of onlookers gathered along the main road near the border of the square, repeatedly calling out, “Gill bhai, autograph dedo, main Moga… Punjab se hu.” Even Rahul had to contend with the buzz as the two batters were still in high demand with fans eager to get their autographs, selfies and pictures.Once Rahul was satisfied with his batting performance and after delivering his trademark knocks, especially the big inside-out run, he disappeared into the tunnel and did not return.For Gill, however, the job was only half done. After completing the longest at-bat of the day, he finished his practice by catching practice from a variety of positions. After working on close catches and skids, he also practiced high catches near the boundary ropes before calling it a day.After a quick massage of the neck that has been bothering him lately whenever he increases his workload, Gill headed off. The ground staff then turned on the sprinklers to give the plaza some much-needed recovery from the morning’s exertions.By the time Gill and co left for the hotel, the remaining members of the ODI squad would be close to reaching Auckland from Hamilton, the venue for the fifth T20I. The entire squad will have just one opportunity to practice together on Tuesday before the five-game series begins on November 4.

No nets for Kohli; Rohit also skips the session

Almost an hour into India’s training session, a luxury car emerged from the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms. It continued towards the main exit before stopping briefly, allowing the passenger to catch a glimpse of the mid-wicket where Rahul and Gill were batting.Virat Kohli sat in the front seat. The former Indian skipper completed his workout at the venue’s gymnasium and left without taking part in any batting or fielding practice.Kohli was not the only senior batsman to skip the nets. Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad have also opted to stay at home and are expected to fine-tune their preparation along with the rest of the team on the eve of the match.India are scheduled to practice in the afternoon on Tuesday, while New Zealand will have a morning practice.

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