Shubman Gill leads England in Team India’s stadium fielding practice
Team India’s Energetic Fielding Session at Beckenham
The Indian Test team held a spirited and energetic fielding practice session on Wednesday at Beckenham during preparations for their five-match series in England. BCCI shared a video of this session on their social media platforms, showcasing captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain Rishabh Pant, star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, and several young players actively participating.
Highlights of the Practice Session
Throwing and Catching Drills
Under the guidance of fielding coach T. Dilip, the team practiced sharp and accurate throws, reflex drills, high-dives, low catches, and stump-hitting exercises. Rishabh Pant, expressing his disappointment after missing a stump with a throw, was heard saying, “Arre yaar!”, reflecting the team’s dedication.
Playful Banter and Enthusiasm
Captain Shubman Gill teased bowler Jasprit Bumrah by saying “Thokiyo, boom‑boom!” to boost team morale. Similarly, when Sai Sudharsan took an excellent catch, Gill cheered, “Catching yaar,” capturing the joyful energy on the field.
Balanced Focus on Batting and Bowling
During the net practice, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant focused on batting, while Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, and other bowlers worked on their rhythm. Pant played some powerful strokes — one was even described as a “roof‑breaking stunner” for its sheer force.
A New Chapter of Leadership
New Captain Shubman Gill
After Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket, 25-year-old Shubman Gill was appointed India’s Test captain. This England tour marks his first leadership role at the international level, and he has prepared for it with great enthusiasm.
Vice‑Captain Rishabh Pant
Young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has been named vice-captain. He took an active role in fielding and contributed to the team’s emotional energy with his spirited reactions.
Gautam Gambhir’s Role
Gautam Gambhir has been appointed head coach for the India tour of England in 2025. He left Mumbai on June 6 and, in the initial practice sessions, emphasized fielding, net drills, and backup strategies.
Tour Schedule
- June 6 – The team, including senior members, departed Mumbai for England.
- June 8 – Held their first official practice session at Beckenham, including both nets and fielding.
- June 11 – Continued specialized fielding drills and competitive net practice at Beckenham.
- June 13 – Commenced a four-day practice match between India and India A.
- June 20 – First Test match at Headingley, Leeds, begins.
- Venues – The series includes matches at Edgbaston (Birmingham), Lord’s (London), Old Trafford (Manchester), and The Oval (London).
Series Importance
This series is a critical component of the inaugural 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship. India’s last Test series win in England was in 2007, and the current team aims to break that long-standing record.
Challenge: Bumrah’s Fitness
According to the Times of India, managing Jasprit Bumrah’s workload will be crucial. With the retirement of several senior players, the pace-bowling unit’s responsibilities have increased, and his fitness will be closely monitored.
Role of Young Talents
The squad includes many young players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav, and others. These emerging talents played active roles in the net and fielding drills, reinforcing the team’s future strength.
Conclusion
India’s England tour signifies the beginning of a new era. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, the team is wholly focused on nets, fielding, and fitness. The enthusiasm of Rishabh Pant and the hard work of Jasprit Bumrah have fostered a positive atmosphere. With guidance from head coach Gautam Gambhir, fielding coach T. Dilip, and the bowling unit, the players are building confidence.
Starting June 20, India hopes this young side will meet England’s challenges head-on and, for the first time since 2007, win a Test series on English soil.
