Ishan Kishan continued to look in ominous touch during India’s training session on Wednesday before a searing Jasprit Bumrah yorker cut his stint short. Bumrah, operating at full intensity for the second consecutive day, offered encouraging signs for the Indian camp after missing the T20 World Cup opener against the USA. However, Kishan was left in discomfort after being struck on the foot by one of Bumrah’s trademark deliveries. The wicketkeeper-batsman limped away from the nets following the blow. Though he briefly returned to resume batting, his session did not last long.
There was more positive news surrounding Bumrah, who appears in line for a return to the playing XI against Namibia. The fixture is expected to serve as preparation for the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan in Colombo on Sunday. “Bumrah is absolutely fine now. He’s doing better. As I said, we still have one more day, so hopefully he’ll be back in the team. If he continues to improve, the team management will take a call, and I think he could be back for the second game,” Tilak Varma said on the eve of the match. Bumrah also participated in catching drills after completing his bowling spell. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson, who has been out of the side due to poor form, could be in contention if Abhishek Sharma fails to recover from a stomach infection. Abhishek was hospitalized after arriving in Delhi but was discharged on Wednesday. “We still have one more day before the game, so hopefully we’ll decide by tomorrow how he feels and then move forward accordingly,” Tilak added. Samson was among the batsmen who spent quality time in the nets. A fully fit Washington Sundar contributed with both bat and ball, while Suryakumar Yadav stayed back to take numerous selfies with DDCA officials. Kuldeep Yadav and Rinku Singh also obliged fans and officials, making it an evening filled with photographs alongside preparation.
