IND vs ENG: Rishabh Pant Accuses Team India Coach of Favouritism Ahead of 1st Test
India begin WTC Test prep at Headingley with high energy; Rishabh Pant, Bumrah shine in spirited practice session
Team India kicked off their preparations for the first Test against England at Headingley with a spirited practice session that had everything banter, competitiveness, intensity, and a few injury scares.
With India set to begin a new era in Test cricket under Shubman Gill, the team’s energy looked fresh and fearless even if a bit chaotic at times.
Rishabh Pant Jokes About Favouritism
The session began with fielding coach T Dilip organising a direct-hit challenge, where the squad was split into three teams. What started as a light-hearted drill quickly turned into a full-on contest, complete with sledging. Rishabh Pant, known for his lively presence, took a cheeky dig at the coach during the challenge.
“Arre woh toh lefty hai, usko left mein hi khada karoge!” Pant said jokingly, accusing Dilip of favouring the left-handers in team placement. The entire exchange was in good humour, but it captured the relaxed yet competitive mood of the team.
Once the fielding session ended, the mood shifted. The batters took to the nets, and the serious business began. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal faced throwdowns before going up against Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, a pace duo expected to start the series.
Later, Shubman Gill and Pant, India’s confirmed No. 4 and 5 for the Headingley Test took their turn. Karun Nair’s net session ended abruptly after he was hit in the abdomen by a rising delivery from Prasidh Krishna. Thankfully, he appeared fine and even joked about the bruise.
