The second and final Test between Team India and South Africa will begin in Guwahati on Saturday. The Indian team is trailing 0-1 in the current series and will be aiming to level the series with a win in Guwahati.
Team India held an optional practice session on Tuesday, where Sai Sudarshan and Dhruv Jurail were seen practicing batting with one pad. Both batsmen used old techniques to improve their footwork against spin. Both batsmen faced spinners for about three hours.
Sudarshan and Jurail batted against spin wearing one pad, which does carry some risk, but requires batsmen to rely more on the bat rather than defending with the pad.
Sudarshan and Jurail are not afraid of injury.
It should be noted that left-handed batsman Sai Sudarshan practiced long front foot defense without wearing his right pad. Sudarshan didn't get a chance to play at Eden Gardens, and his place in Guwahati is also uncertain. Facing left-arm spinners and off-spinners without front pads can lead to leg or body injury.
Coaches have long discontinued this drill due to its impact on the front pad reflex. Without pads, a batsman's first option is to play the ball with the bat. This approach requires the batsman to step out and make the spin easier.
Practicing the Reverse Sweep
Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurail practiced without his right pad and executed a reverse sweep at the center wicket. For a right-handed batsman, it's important to extend his right leg to play the shot, and removing the pads helps with proper movement. This also limits the risk of injury.
Six players participated. Head coach Gautam Gambhir kept a close eye on Sai Sudarshan during the practice sessions. If Shubman Gill misses the second Test due to neck stiffness, Sudarshan could find a place in the playing XI. However, only six players participated in the optional net session. Ravindra Jadeja was the most senior member.
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