After six days of isolation, UP squad starts training in Bengaluru for Twenty20 Trophy
LUCKNOW : After six days of isolation due to the Covid induced bio-bubble, 22-odd members of the Uttar Pradesh cricket team heaved a sigh of relief as they got a chance to see the sunrise on Friday.
The squad began training at the Alur Stadium in Bengaluru where they would take on other teams in the Elite Group A matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Twenty20 Trophy starting on January 10.
The bio-bubble was meant to keep players away from coronavirus pandemic ever since they landed in Bengaluru last Saturday. None of them was allowed either to come out of their rooms or even to greet other team members in-person while staying alone. They all tested corona negative during the two tests performed on them.
For young skipper Priyam Garg, this wasn’t the first such experience. The former India Under-19 World Cup captain had passed through a similar situation at the UAE recently while playing for the David Warner-led Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.
Nor was it a novel experience for former Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Suresh Raina and
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s speedster Bhuvaneshwar Kumar. But, for others, including coach Gyanendra Pandey, this was the first time.
Team India bowler Bhuvaneshwar Kumar was the centre of attraction at one of the grounds of Alur Stadium, about 25 km from the main city. Kumar was bowling at a practice net after a long time, especially after sustaining injuries during Indian
Premier League in the UAE.
“It was quite pleasant to see Kumar bowling at his best at the nets in two different sessions today. His fitness looked perfect. This is really a big boost to our confidence before the start of the tournament,” coach Pandey said at the end of team’s strenuous session on Friday. “He (Kumar) bowled more than 10-12 overs at the nets and was on target,” the coach said.
“We have a balanced side with a blend of youth and experience. We have plans for every team and are hoping to do well here as conditions are quite suitable for us,” said Pandey.
Besides Kumar, the focus one Day One of the training was also on the team’s former captain Suresh Raina, one of the top scorers in the T20 game in the world.
Raina not only hit sixes, but was also on target with his quick off-breaks. He also did well in the field with some eyecatching saves while sporting sunglasses and a blue jersey.
“Couldn’t ask for a much better weather to be on the field post quarantine. All set to play for the tournament,” Raina posted an video on Instagram from his official handle sureshraina3 soon after the first day of the training session.
“One always feels confident with an all-rounder like Raina in the side. His (Raina’s) presence quite motivating for the youngsters and it’s a chance for them to learn from the former star,” Pandey added.
On his experience of being in the bio-bubble, Pandey said that it was a bit difficult to stay alone in the beginning, but keeping himself motivated helped him overcome a tough situation. “Not only myself, but I also kept the players in the team’s hotel motivated. For many, this is the first time. Video chats kept all of us happy, staying behind closed doors was different (experience) for me,” he added.
The second and the final day of team’s training will take place on Saturday afternoon, before they begin their campaign against Punjab at KSCA Cricket (2) Ground at Alur on Sunday noon.