Decoding India's strategy to tackle Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana
What's the story
The Indian cricket team is preparing for the upcoming Bangladesh series by engaging net bowlers with specific skills.
As per a report in PTI, the four-day training camp has enlisted Punjab's Gurnoor Brar, a 6 feet 4.5-inch tall pacer known for his disconcerting bounce and pace.
Despite his unimpressive First-Class record, Brar's physical stature and bowling style are seen as an effective counter to Bangladesh's towering pacer Nahid Rana.
Here's more.
Training strategy
Brar's role in preparing Indian batters for Rana
Brar has been specifically chosen to help the Indian batters prepare for Rana's high-arm action.
Brar is known for generating significant bounce from his length and maintaining straight lines.
In a recent Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, Rana took five wickets in the match demonstrating his bowling prowess.
This selection underscores India's strategic approach to tackle specific challenges posed by opposing players.
Numbers
Brar and Rana's bowling figures
The net bowler has featured in just five FC matches at an average of 45.57. Brar has bowled only 503 balls.
However the bowler has seven scalps to his name including a four-wicket haul. His best bowling figures (innings) are worth 4/16.
Meanwhile, Rana has three Tests caps, and has picked up 11 wickets at an average of 41.09. His best bowling figures (innings) 4/44, came during the second innings of the second Test against Pakistan.
Game plan
India's pitch strategy and Morkel's guidance
With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in their line-up, India are unlikely to depend on rank turners for the upcoming series.
The Chepauk strip could offer equal assistance to both pace bowlers and spinners.
Morne Morkel, India's new bowling coach, was seen imparting knowledge on how to bowl to star batters during the camp.
This suggests a balanced approach in pitch selection and game strategy for the series against Bangladesh.
Team updates
Other net bowlers and Bangladesh's arrival in Chennai
Mumbai off-spinner Himanshu Singh, known for his action similar to Ravichandran Ashwin, and Tamil Nadu's slow left-arm bowler S Ajit Ram are also included in the training camp.
On the second day, Team India pacers Akash Deep and Yash Dayal bowled more overs than Bumrah and Siraj.
The Bangladesh team is set to arrive in Chennai on Sunday amid tight security due to recent civil unrest in their home country.
Strategy
Team India adapts to this pitch strategy for 1st Test
India adapted a different approach during their practice session in relation to the surface.
According to The Indian Express, India utilized two nets for batting during their first practice session.
Under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir and Morkel, key players including the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal trained on both black and red soil pitches.
The spinners were assigned to the black soil pitch while pacers trained on the red one.