Abhishek Sharma used precise hand-eye coordination to send deliveries soaring, with many clearing the practice venue entirely.
Shubman Gill Set for T20 Return, Abhishek Sharma Impresses in Asia Cup Practice
After more than a year, Shubman Gill is poised to play his first T20 international when India begin their 2025 Asia Cup campaign against the UAE at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday. Gill, who last featured in the format during India’s July 2024 tour of Sri Lanka following the T20 World Cup in the West Indies, was named vice-captain for the tournament, cementing his place in the playing XI. However, on the eve of the opener, the star batter experienced a rare blemish.
According to a PTI report, Shubman Gill looked in fine touch during the optional training day at the ICC Academy, elegantly caressing quick bowlers inside-out over extra cover. Yet, one moment of concern arose when a local net bowler surprised him with a thunderbolt that uprooted the off-stump—a rare mishap in an otherwise flawless session.
Meanwhile, his expected opening partner, Abhishek Sharma, sent a strong message to India’s Asia Cup rivals, belting sixes throughout his hour-long practice session. The report highlighted that he “clobbered at least 25 to 30 sixes, making it nearly impossible for those watching to take their eyes off.” Sharma relied purely on impeccable hand-eye coordination, sending balls soaring well beyond the practice venue without overexerting himself.
Sanju Samson skips grind
With Shubman Gill’s return, speculation grew that Sanju Samson might miss out on a spot in India’s playing XI. Despite his fiery performances in the Kerala Cricket League, where he even batted at No. 6, Samson’s chances appeared limited after the last two practice sessions in Dubai hinted at head coach Gautam Gambhir’s preferences.
On Monday, Samson did not get a chance to bat during the main training session and appeared isolated on the practice ground. In contrast, Jitesh Sharma’s confident strides and relaxed approach in the nets indicated he would assume the finishing role in the batting line-up while donning the wicketkeeping gloves. The RCB star continued his grind on Wednesday as Samson skipped training along with senior players Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and fast bowler Harshit Rana.
Under fielding coach T. Dilip, Jitesh sharpened his ‘no-look’ catching drills — a routine where the keeper keeps hands parallel to the ground as the coach drops the ball from close range. The challenge is to catch it inches before it hits the ground, relying purely on instinct and reaction time without watching its trajectory.
