India’s third practice session at the ICC Academy in Dubai came with an unusual soundtrack. From the far end of the ground, a boy kept calling out, “Surya sirrr,” his voice growing louder and more desperate with every attempt. Normally, Suryakumar Yadav is quick to oblige with a smile, autograph, or selfie, but with the team scheduled to move to the nearby Dubai International Stadium, the calls went unanswered.
Out in the middle, however, India’s preparation was anything but childlike. The team has looked sharper and more settled with each passing session.
On Monday (September 8), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, and Tilak Varma were the first to bat in the nets, followed by Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav. Abhishek Sharma, now a near certainty in the Asia Cup squad, bowled left-arm spin and joined the other spinners in testing Hardik and Suryakumar, often shifting between practice pitches at the ICC Academy.
Jitesh, after a long batting stint, trained separately with fielding coach T. Dilip on top-edge catches and wicketkeeping drills — a strong indication that he is India’s first-choice keeper. Sanju Samson kept wickets briefly but largely trained on a side net with throwdowns, while Rinku Singh and Samson batted only after the main group, a sign that their roles may be limited early in the tournament.
Axar Patel, with his all-round ability and experience, looks set to feature in the XI, especially on UAE pitches. The other all-rounder’s slot could go to Shivam Dube, who not only batted extensively but also bowled alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh to the likely opening pair of Gill and Abhishek.
“For me, it’s always important to see someone like Shivam bowl four overs,” bowling coach Morne Morkel said. “I keep pushing all-rounders to work on both skills. In this environment, we want to leave no stone unturned. Conditions might favour him, and on the day, we’ll need someone to step up.”
The conditions themselves could also shape selections. Morkel pointed out that the surfaces in Dubai might be greener and quicker than during the Champions Trophy, when India leaned heavily on spinners. “We’ll look at the wicket tonight, but there’s quite a bit of grass on the square. Our planning is about covering all bases, and final calls will be made on match day,” he added.
That could leave Kuldeep Yadav competing for a spot again, despite his improved fielding and disciplined preparation since the England series. “He’s a professional,” Morkel said. “Even when he didn’t get game time in England, he put in the overs, stayed prepared, and knows what it takes to be ready for T20 cricket.”
By the end of the session, as players walked off, the boy’s voice had finally faded into silence. “Surya sirrr” never got a reply, but in the nets, India’s captain had already provided enough answers — through choices that will soon define his team.
